Chemistry Professor and Student Duo Win Award for Research on Photo Oxidation Catalyzed by Zirconium Dioxide

What happens when zirconium dioxide is tested against different materials for oxidation? Chemistry professor James Hanson and his student Reva Pavithran have been investigating this question since January with the support of a STEM Undergraduate Research Award. In particular, they have been studying the effects of using zirconium
dioxide as a catalyst for photo-oxidation.

When zirconium dioxide is used as a photocatalyst, it causes things that encounter the compound to change. To conduct this experiment, the pair used a small amount of zirconium dioxide powder and placed it into a vial to be treated with the material being oxidized. Once mixed, the vessels are filled with oxygen and sealed, and then the vessel is treated with light. After a certain period, the vessel is removed from the light to see if the material has been changed and what new products have been generated. The increase of oxygen during the process means that the zirconium dioxide is acting as a photocatalyst, accelerating photo-oxidation.

Early in their study, the pair had used zirconium dioxide as well as other metal oxides as a supporting material to place other photocatalysts on the supports. However, the pair discovered that the photo-oxidation was occurring primarily with the presence of zirconium dioxide. While compounds such as titanium dioxide are also known to have photo-oxidizing properties, the zirconium dioxide compound was oxidizing with less UV light. This unexpected occurrence made the pair curious and ready to ask more questions. The conclusions they arrive at will inform their next steps in future projects as well as find other uses for zirconium dioxide as a photocatalyst. Replacing titanium dioxide with zirconium dioxide as a photocatalyst would open the door for many new functions.

Prior to receiving the STEM Undergraduate Research Award, Reva had been working in Hanson’s lab, but the funding awarded for those projects was limited. By receiving this award, the pair has had the financial support to have Reva working in the lab more frequently with Hanson. As a fourth-year psychology major with a minor in chemistry, Reva has aspirations of attending medical school. By collaborating on a study of this magnitude with Hanson, Reva has a competitive advantage when applying for medical school.

When discussing the benefits of this opportunity, Hanson is “always looking to move into new research efforts, looking to see if this catalysis by zirconium dioxide is a fruitful effort or will provide a unique outcome.” Undergraduate students have limited free time and often have to work, so they traditionally can only complete a section of a project and use it for their undergraduate thesis. But the STEM Undergraduate Research Award has enabled Reva to participate in a more sustained lab experience.

With goals of publishing the outcomes of this project in the future, Hanson and Reva also hope to use this study for Reva’s presentation at next year’s Petersheim Academic Exposition.

Seton Hall has a robust Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry with a wide range of faculty researching in catalysis, materials science, physical chemistry, organic chemistry and other areas. The department offers both master's and doctoral degrees, and Seton Hall is excited to announce a new 3+2 B.S./M.S. program that will enable students to earn a B.S. and M.S. in chemistry or biochemistry in just five years. Students interested in STEM research should contact Associate Dean Marianne Lloyd and students interested in STEM graduate or dual degree programs should contact Associate Dean Michael Dooney.

Categories: Research, Science and Technology