Charge Transfer Processes at Microscopic Liquid Interfaces

Cuny Queens College, Flushing NY

Investigators

Abstract

This research project investigates heterogeneous processes in microscopic two-phase liquid particles. With the support of the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, Professor Michael Mirkin in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Queens College, City University of New York, uses micrometer- and submicrometer-sized metal electrodes and pipet-based amperometric sensors to investigate coupled electron and ion transfer processes across microscopic interfaces. The scanning electrochemical microscope is employed to perform kinetic measurements in microscopic domains that include phospholipid vesicles and biological cells. The use of small electrode sensors is enabling rapid kinetic measurements of coupled electron and ion transfer reactions. Results impact fundamental understanding of energy storage and conversion, drug transport and signaling and metabolism in biological cells. The work is defining basic relationships that govern charge transport across interfaces formed by immiscible liquid phases.