Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville chemistry students will present their research project in Madison, Wisconsin, at the 16th annual Research in the Rotunda on April 17. Student researchers JaLynn Schuh, a senior from Plymouth, Wisconsin, and Hyeong Cheol Yoo, a junior from Seoul, South Korea, are collaborating with Dr. Mohammad Rabbani, assistant professor of chemistry, on his research of post-synthetic modification of metal organic framework for application in toxic metal removal.
“We are working on making nano porous materials,” said Schuh. “The Metal-Organic Framework (also known as MOF) is what we are making. It’s a framework of a metal ion and an organic molecule. When they react together they literally form a frame and within the frame the pores are very small in nanometer scale. This porous architecture can be used in separation of small molecules or ions. We are also introducing certain functional sites to the frame in order to enhance the selective capture of certain molecules or ions. The main focus of this research is to use this porous MOF in removal of toxic materials from water, like lead or cadmium ions. The small pores and surface functionality allow MOF to capture certain materials and let other materials pass through.”
Undergraduate students and their faculty mentors from across the UW System are selected to showcase their research to legislators, state leaders, alumni and the public.
“It’s good for representatives to be informed of what’s going on in general especially since the UW System is a publicly-funded institution,” said Schuh. “It’s a lot of interesting topics that they may not otherwise learn about.”
Schuh and Cheol Yoo will present their materials and have the opportunity to listen to the other presenters. “Our research right now is in organic and inorganic chemistry, but other people are doing bio-chemistry, organic chemistry or in the biology area, so looking at the other areas of science that also helps us and is very interesting,” said Cheol Yoo.
The researchers said they are preparing to deliver their presentation. “We are putting in a lot of hard work on it and are able to see that come to fruition. The work will be continued after the presentation at the rotunda. We have a stepping stone of what we have this far, but what else can we do now and how much further can we go with it. That’s the next step,” said Schuh.
“I’m nervous to present at the capitol, but with these two people I feel confident and I am sure we can do a really nice presentation,” said Cheol Yoo.
The students classify their MOF research as being in the middle stage. “We are getting stuff synthesized and testing the surface areas and pore size and making sure it works as expected in separation toxic metal ions,” said Schuh. “Knowing if other research students come in after us, they will have the foundation to build on. We are being so careful with note taking and making sure we have good lab practices. If new students come in they understand and can build from it and even go further.”
“After we graduate the next person can come and participate with Dr. Rabbani and they can make a compound that can help the country or the world. I hope it happens,” said Cheol Yoo.