This project is in the area of Analytical and Surface Chemistry and in the subfields of solvent extraction and solution equilibria. Professor Freiser will study the role of the interface and the molecular structure of the species of interest in solvent extraction processes. This research will use spectroscopic probes to elucidate the kinetics and thermodynamics of solvent extraction processes that are facilitated by chelation reactions. The particular structural features of these metal chelates will be correlated with both the kinetics and thermodynamics as well. The results obtained from this project will be useful in modeling and understanding liquid partition chromatography, micellar chromatography, liquid membrane ion selective electrodes and biomembranes.
