News & Press Releases

Title: "First Principles Study of Metal Hexacyanometallates as Potential Booster Material for Redox Targeting Flow Batteries" - by Kayode O. Ojo Abstract: With the growing demand for high-efficiency, large-scale energy storage, redox flow batteries (RFBs) have become an important option in renewable energy systems. However, improving the performance and efficiency of RFBs remains challenging. This study explores the use of metal hexacyanometallates as solid boosters in redox-targeting flow batteries (RTFBs), which will act as a solid storage material participating in multiple redox reactions to enhance performance. Metal hexacyanoferrates are known for their tunable redox properties, mixed-valence states, and structural stability, making them strong candidates for application in RTFBs. Using first-principles density functional theory calculations with the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation, we assessed the reduction potentials of various metal (Cu, Co, Fe, and Mn) hexacyanoferrates. Our calculations showed that iron and cobalt hexacyanoferrates exhibited the highest reduction potential among the tested materials, indicating their strong potential as effective boosters. Simulated IR spectra further identified key vibrational modes critical to understanding redox mechanisms, with potassium ion intercalation revealing additional vibrational modes. Post-intercalation, a redshift and increased intensity in CN stretching modes were observed, consistent with experimental data and validating the computational approach. Future research will focus on the effects of potassium, sodium, and lithium-ion intercalation on enhancing the reduction potential, as preliminary results suggest that ion intercalation could significantly boost redox activity. This work advances the understanding of how metal hexacyanometallates can enhance the energy storage capacity and efficiency of RTFBs, offering new avenues for optimizing battery technologies. Date: Monday, December 9, 2024 Place: SENG-311 Time: 11am Advisor Dr. Maricris L. Mayes, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Dr. Patrick J. Cappillino Dr. Sivappa Rasapalli

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Come meet the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and see what opportunities are waiting for you! The EOHHS is comprised of 11 agencies and the MassHealth program. EOHHS seeks to promote the health, resilience, and independence of the nearly one in every three residents of the Commonwealth we serve. Our public health programs touch every community in the Commonwealth. Stop by their table in to Library Living Room lobby to learn more!

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Interested in studying abroad? Do you have a quick question about the opportunities that are available or the overall process? Stop by the International Programs Office's virtual advising session! Students will be seen on a first come, first served basis. Email intl_programs@umassd.edu for the zoom link.

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Title: Photochemical Synthesis of Unnatural Amino Acids and Their Genetically Encoded Incorporation into Proteins in Live-Cells by Cem Celik Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Time: 2pm Abstract: Unnatural amino acids (UAAs) are widely used in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry; however, their syntheses are still quite challenging as the current synthetic procedures involve multiple steps with low-yielding and are environmentally unfriendly. My dissertation research focuses on developing a new photochemical method for efficient synthesis of unnatural amino acids and exploring their applications in incorporating proteins in live-cells. This research develops an efficient novel photochemical CCUAA method for synthesis a broad range of unnatural amino acids with varied properties, which may find broad applications in chemical biology research and medicinal industry. Their protein incorporation enables novel bio-imaging and other technologies that will have a significant impact on fundamental and applied research by shedding light on unknown cellular functions, networks, processes, and modifying such processes. PhD Dissertation Committee: Dr. Maolin Guo (Advisor) Dr. Catherine Neto (Chemistry) Dr. Shuowei Cai (Chemistry) Dr. Katrina Velle (Biology) Join Zoom Meeting: https://umassd.zoom.us/j/99388959356?pwd=ZwtfQGWXaba50bA6jDqFYx2pqZubTw.1 Meeting ID: 993 8895 9356 Passcode: 238584

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Financial Aid Services wants to remind all students to file their FAFSA! Join Financial Aid Services for FAFSA Help Labs in LARTS 203 on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3-4pm for help filing your FAFSA and learning more about financial aid. Contact Mark Yanni, myanni@umassd.edu

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Stop by the Center for Women, Gender & Sexuality for cookies & condoms!

Center for Women, Gender & Sexuality