University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Analysis of stimuli responsive molecules: exploring pH-sensitive acid generators and redox-active molecules for electrochemical CO2 capture

Roberts, Joel William

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129947

Description

Title
Analysis of stimuli responsive molecules: exploring pH-sensitive acid generators and redox-active molecules for electrochemical CO2 capture
Author(s)
Roberts, Joel William
Issue Date
2025-07-18
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Zimmerman, Steven
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Zimmerman, Steven
Committee Member(s)
  • Hergenrother, Paul
  • Silverman, Scott
  • Fratti, Rutilio
Department of Study
Chemistry
Discipline
Chemistry
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • acid amplifier
  • acid generator
  • drug delivery
  • pH
  • flavin, climate change, carbon dioxide
  • carbon capture
  • ATR-SIERAS
  • electrochemistry
Abstract
Stimuli responsive molecules have come into focus as a mode of analyzing biological and environmental mechanisms of interests. Methods of analysis range from the chemiluminescent Schaap’s dioxetane to self-immolating polymers. Of particular interest for targeting cancer drug delivery and aiming at carbon dioxide capture are 4-chloromethylphenyl acetals and flavins, respectively. Herein, we have explored the applications of acid and voltage sensitive small molecules that can be used with the aim of challenging selective cancer drug delivery and electrochemical mediated carbon capture. We were able to use analytical methods such as NMR, LC-MS and HPLC along with generating pH-time curves to elucidate the mechanism of the hydrolysis of acid-sensitive 4-chloromethylphenyl acetals under extracellular tumor pH. We also analyzed how well an anthraquinone and flavin derivative can capture carbon dioxide under an applied voltage. We characterized these voltage sensitive molecules using cyclic voltammetry and ATR-SIERAS to explore how they capture carbon dioxide in real time. These molecular platforms may be useful in developing cancer selective drug delivery vehicles and more effective carbon capturing technologies.
Graduation Semester
2025-08
Type of Resource
Thesis
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129947
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2025 Joel Roberts

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