Faculty Research Interests
The Clayton research group focuses on the electrical and chemical properties of solid-state materials as they pertain to energy storage. We investigate these materials as candidates for use in energy storage devices that include batteries, field-effect transistors, electrochromics, and supercapacitors. We also study the synthetic-structure relationships of these electronically and structurally diverse class of materials to understand function and target new compositions. Student projects integrate inorganic, materials, and sustainable chemistry centered on the development of scalable and inexpensive deposition techniques for the production of functional single-phase materials and multilayered structures.
Specifically, we will:
1). Characterize the gene product for ACIAD1960, the cysteine protease, StiP. We will characterize the solution conditions that contribute to maximal activity, including pH, ionic strength, metal ion dependence and contribution of reducing agents.
2). Clone and characterize the gene product for ACIAD1964. We will test the hypothesis that the protein that is encoded by this gene is a kinase, as has been indicated by bioinformatics approaches.
3). Clone and characterize the gene product for ACIAD1965. We will test the hypothesis that the protein that is encoded by this gene is a phosphatase, as has been indicated by bioinformatics approaches.
4). Clone and characterize the gene product for ACIAD1966. We will test the hypothesis that the protein that is encoded by this gene forms a multimeric complex with the gene products of ACIAD1964 and ACIAD1965.
References:
1). Barbe, V., et al., (2004). Unique features revealed by the genome sequence of Acinetobacter sp. ADP1, a versatile and naturally transformation competent bacteriumNucleic Acids Research, 32(19), 5766-5779.
2). de Berardinis, et. Al., (2009). Acinetobacer bayli ADP1 as a model for metabolic system biology. Current Opinion in Microbiology, 12, 568-576.
3). Lostroh, C. P., Voyles, B. A. (2010). Acinetobacter baylyi Stavation-Induced Genes Identified through Incubation in Long-Term Stationary Phase. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 76(14), 4905-4908.
4). Reichert, et al., (2013) Acinetobacter baylyi Long Term Stationary Phase Protein StiP Is a Protease Rerquired for Normal Cell Morphology and Resistance to Tellurite. (2013) Journal of Microbiology, 59(11): 726-736.
Eli's is an analytical and materials chemist. Below are descriptions of his current research interests. Eli's Profile
Developing a sub-$1, Simple, and Open-Source Sensor for Heavy Metals in Drinking Water
In low-resource settings, meeting the need for high-quality environmental chemical testing requires overcoming challenges of harsh transportation and storage conditions, non-technically trained users, limited infrastructure for support and maintenance, and an economy that cannot afford expensive solutions. We aim to develop and employ new bipolar electrochemical sensors for truly simple, open-source, high-quality, low-cost water quality diagnostics. The sensors combine aspects of conventional anodic stripping voltammetry, wireless bipolar electrochemistry, and light-emitting reactions to quantitate aqueous heavy metals in water. This project has thus far produced the first demonstration of a closed-cell BPE sensor utilizing a cathodic electrochemiluminescent reaction scheme for optical readout. With initial sensor development, a novel device fabrication technology based on simple laser ablation of commercial conductive glass substrates was also introduced. The current sensor transduction scheme has also been extended to include an all solid-state optical readout that provides performance metrics of sub-ppb detection limits, device precision (n = 10) of ~1%, and per sensor costs of less than $1.
The Fountain Valley Water Project: A Local Citizen-Science Chemical Contamination Initiative
PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of nearly 5000 human-made compounds which persist in most environments without breaking down. Their distinctive chemical structures make them especially useful in hydraulic fluids, in carpets and textiles, in firefighting foams, as well as in everyday products like Teflon pans, waterproof clothing, cosmetics, and oil-resistant food packaging. The few epidemiological studies conducted thus far correlate long-term human exposure with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and cognitive development issues. Since 1970, the Peterson Air Force Base in Southeast Colorado Springs has dispensed an unknown volume of PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substance)-containing foam used in firefighting drills into the surrounding soil which leeched into the Widefield Aquifer, a key source of drinking water for the over 70,000 residents. This project puts forth a complementary community-centered citizen-science study of the fate and transport of a suite of PFAS compounds in the affected area. This non-partisan longitudinal research project aims for complete and total transparency by making all results publicly available and accessible, with the interpretation and discussion of project results oriented towards the needs of a community audience.
Molecular Crystallization within the Electrical Double Layer
In pharmaceutical drugs, molecules can often crystallize in several different arrangements called polymorphs. Even when the molecular identity remains the same, simple differences in the packing motif can dramatically affect drug solubility and downstream bioactivity in patients. Controlling molecular polymorphism typically requires crystal seeding or electrostatic influence with exogenous salts, both of which can serve as contamination sources, are difficult to implement at scale, and ultimately impose downstream cost to the consumer. Recent molecular dynamics simulations have indicated molecular nucleation to be sensitive to large external electric fields, yet little is known about the molecular-scale interactions. This project investigates how supersaturated solutions of model molecular systems like paracetamol (i.e. Tylenol) nucleate and crystallize within the electrical double layer (i.e. metal/solution interfaces) where electric fields can exceed
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