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Grand Award

Third Place

Sponsored Awards

US Stockholm Junior Water Prize
HS-CHM35

Molecular interface design of poly(styrene)–b–poly(acrylic acid) for selective binding of water contaminants: Insights into host-guest complexes

Chemistry
Elise McHallam

Grade:
11
Teacher:
Michael Gray

Our project worked to synthesize various cost-effective receptors capable of detecting Aflatoxin B1, a common carcinogen, in aqueous environments such as drinking and ground water. Leveraging the use of infrared spectroscopy and interfacial tension analysis, we found that host molecules within receptors that contained specialized sulfur groups or hydrophobic cavities best entrapped Aflatoxin B1. The study presents the ability to construct economical water-contaminant detectors, addressing challenges regarding water pollution and access.


Project presentation

View Project Presentation file

Lab journal excerpts

View Lab Journal file

Research paper

View Research Paper file

2 thoughts on “Molecular interface design of poly(styrene)–b–poly(acrylic acid) for selective binding of water contaminants: Insights into host-guest complexes

  1. Congratulations! This is a very good project and hopefully you will continue your research.

  2. Deeply impressed by completion of the project, which could be a project for a college student.

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