James Anderson

Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Investigations of Environmental Systems Many important environmental and biochemical processes involve redox reactions. We are developing powerful new voltammetric and coulometric titration techniques to characterize the redox transformation of numerous pollutants by environmental sediments. We can quantitatively characterize redox capacity, electron transfer stoichiometry, and reduction potentials of nanomole quantities in highly turbid sediment suspensions. Results indicate a crucial role of inorganic iron as a key redox agent in the sediment. We are currently investigating the redox equilibria and reduction potentials of selected environmental iron oxides that appear to play significant roles in reductive environmental transformations of pollutants. We are also studying the reductive transformation of halogenated solvents by iron metal flow beds, a promising in situ pollution treatment method. Experimental methods are supplemented with semiempirical molecular orbital calculations to estimate reduction potentials and kinetics of selected pollutants, with the goal of prediction of environmental lifetime and fate. Modeling of Electrochemical Flow Reactors for Electrochemical Atomic Layer Epitaxy We are collaborating with Professor Stickney's group to develop mathematical models for the simulation of the layer-by layer flow electrodeposition electrosynthesis of compound semiconductors under underpotential deposition conditions according to the Electrochemical Atomic Layer Epitaxy process. Comparison between model predictions and experimental observations will be used to understand the process more completely and to improve the experimental protocol for production of materials of better quality. Characterization of Living Cells and Biochemical Processes We are interested in analytically important aspects of mammalian oocyte development and fertilization. We are developing a novel approach for estimation of uptake, metabolism, or release of selected species (e. g. oxygen and selected messenger molecules) by living cells, based on spatially resolved microelectrode measurements of adjacent concentration profiles.