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Project Title

Investigating the Structure of Catechol-Coated Discs for Hazardous Metal Detection

Faculty Mentor(s)

Project Description

Water is an essential nutrient for living organisms, but communities across the world still struggle to find a reliable filtration tool. This project aims to use melanin-inspired coatings, which change color upon exposure to metal ions such as Pb2+, as a metal-detector in water. We are aiming to understand and optimize these coatings and the color change process. Coatings are synthesized on PVDF discs from the reaction of sodium periodate with various catechols. During metal ion titrations with varying concentrations of Pb2+ and other metals, discs are incubated at 65℃ for three hours at 125 rpm. Disc color changes are quantified and compared using colorimetry. Trials reveal that these discs bind to and change color at varying rates when exposed to different metals. There appears to be reversible and irreversible components of these color changes. These findings highlight the nuanced features of the coated discs, bringing attention to the significance of catechol polymerization and structure. In Winter Term 2026, we used NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy to help understand the chemical structure of the coatings and the color change mechanisms. Further investigation will help facilitate the production of an effective and sensitive metal-detector for water filtration.

Why is your research important?

It is my understanding that change and innovation occurs when students, researchers, or other academics choose to make it so. This research could provide relief or awareness to those who lack clean water. Potentially, research findings can also influence or help other (bio)chemistry research endeavors.

What does the process of doing your research look like?

To understand our research, we must be well-acquainted and familiar with the origin and evolution of our question. Otherwise, a usual lab day involves various rotations of experimenting: disc synthesizing, metal-ion titrations, EDTA and DMSO extractions. Analysis is conducted via colorimetry, UV-vis spectroscopy, and NMR readings.

What knowledge has your research contributed to your field?

Our lab expands on knowledge regarding synthetic melanin metal-binding properties, including what metals are most efficiently detected and how this process is conducted via PVDF discs.

In what ways have you showcased your research thus far?

I am grateful to have presented my research at the STRONG Winter Term symposium.

How did you get involved in research? What drove you to seek out research experiences in college?

I got involved in this research through STRONG, which provides access to such experiences (Science and Technology Research Opportunities for a New Generation). I know I wanted to conduct research because I am eager to implement my science knowledge and work hands-on.

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

I most enjoy carrying out experiments. Organizing our data and research to share with an audience, or even for own understanding, is also very rewarding.

How has working with your mentor impacted the development of your research project? How has it impacted you as a researcher?

I am helping my mentor with his research project, and it is enlightening being part of a college research lab. I witness evidence of prior undergraduates who have successfully helped further or present my mentor’s research.

How has the research you’ve conducted contributed to your professional or academic development?  

As my first lab experience, I am pleased to have had exposure to the chemistry realm. Academically, I wonder what aspects of this subject-area I would like to retain in my future academic endeavors. Professionally, I wonder what aspects of this research I would like to retain in my career– especially as someone focused on the diverse field of medicine.

What advice would you give to a younger student wanting to get involved in research in your field?

As much as my own mentors have drilled this into me, one really does not expect research to be quite as welcoming as it is. Younger students should seize offered opportunities, and insist on paving an opportunity if not offered. Every mind perceives information in a different way, thus every mind is a help in the lab.