Liquid crystal catalytic surfactant films for decomposing and sensing pollutants by electrolysis
- Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs, CT (United States)
Living organisms utilize protein biocatalysts incorporated in lipid bilayer membranes. Some synthetic lipid-like surfactant molecules can be self assembled into bilayer structures resembling biomembranes. Films composed of stacks of bilayers were prepared by casting solutions of insoluble surfactants onto solid electrodes. Catalysts were incorporated either after or before casting. In their liquid crystal forms, films containing metal phthalocyanine tetrasulfonates or the redox protein myoglobin were excellent, stable electrochemical catalysts for dehalogenation of pollutants such as trichloracetic acid and ethylene dibromide. Electrons are transported to reactions sites via the incorporated catalysts, and the films also preconcentrate the organohalides to enhance reaction rates. Characterization and applications of these films will be discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 141957
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-930304--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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