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Name Ju Chou Discipline: Analytical Chemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Nanocatalysis Email: Ju.Chou@selu.edu, phone: 985-549-3480 Postdoctoral Researcher: Postdoctoral Researcher: Ph. D. Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun,
P.R. China 1995 My publications: Publications.pdf |
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Area(s) of expertise: Bioanalytical Chemistry, Bioelectrochemistry, Nanomaterials, Catalysis, Fuel Cell.
Research Interests: I am interested in nanomaterials/catalysis, bioelectrochemistry and fuel cells. Nanomaterial and Catalysis research will involve synthesis of metal nanoclusters, nanocatalysts and evaluation of catalytic activities using analytical instruments such as MS, NMR, GC-MS. The research will also involve characterization of nanomaterials and catalysts by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM).
In bioelectrochemical research, we will employ electrochemical and spectroscopic methods to investigate the properties of proteins and enzymes. The proteins or enzymes will be cast into a surfactant film on which the electron transfer rates of protein/or enzymes are enhanced. Such protein/or enzyme films are electroactive and can catalyze some reactions or bind with small molecules by electrochemical technique. Spectroscopic methods such as GC/MS and UV-Vis will be applied to investigate the reaction products and the interactions between proteins and small molecules.
For the fuel cells, my research will be focused on the investigation of nanometal clusters as catalysts. We will design an in situ electrochemical deposition method to deposit bimetals such as Pd-Au, Pt-Au to replace current catalyst Pt which is too expensive and widely used in fuel cell. The electrochemical deposition of bimetals will be imaged and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or atomic force microscopy (AFM). The deposition of bimetals could potentially lower the cost of fuel cells.
Benefit to Students: Students will gain experiences with modern analytical instrumentation such as MS, NMR, UV-Vis, GC-MS, and electrochemical instrument. Based on their individual interests, students will also acquire skills including catalyst preparation, synthesis of nanomaterials, reactor operation, catalytic characterization or reaction product characterization. They may be exposed to or interact with surface techniques such as TEM, SEM or AFM. Students will have the opportunity to present their work at conferences as well.
Interests outside of the lab: traveling, sightseeing, hiking, cooking of Chinese food.
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Positions for undergraduate researchers available: |
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Experience: Chem 121, 122, Clab 123, 124 |
Terms Available (Fall, Spring, Summer): All |
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Expectations (hourly load): at least 3 hours per week |
Student Classification (year): No restrictions |
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Recommended Courses: quantitative chemical analysis, instrumental analysis |
Student Major (will you take majors outside of chemistry?): No restrictions |