Project Title: Development of novel analytical techniques to explore the brain as well as novel nanomaterials for energy applications
Research overview. The Cunci laboratory focuses on the development of novel analytical techniques to better understand the brain as well as novel nanomaterials for energy applications.
1. Our laboratory is directed toward the development of bioanalytical techniques based on electrochemistry for the detection and monitoring of biomolecules. There are many advantages of using electrochemistry over other techniques that use light-based detection. Avoiding the use of light for measurements allows the detection of biomolecules in raw fluids without the need of purification. In addition, the versatility to change the material of the electrodes and to modify their surfaces, provide specificity toward the biomolecule of interest. Among the materials that we are using are carbon and platinum. They can be used alone or changing their surface, by self-assembly monolayers using thiols and/or adding conductive polymers to increase the selectivity of the specific analyte. The availability of having a novel electrochemical technique to the measurements of biomolecules will provide another alternative to the neurochemistry field.
2. Due to the problems that exist regarding climate change and how it affects the environment, we as citizens have the obligation to do something about it. In the last decades, we have had a problem with the electrical energy system on our island of Puerto Rico and it is for this reason that we have the responsibility to create alternatives to obtain renewable energy in an economic way to avoid fossil fuels. My research focuses on generating an electrocatalyst that is efficient, economic, and eco-friendly. The goal of the investigation is modifying onion-like carbon nanoparticles using nitrogen-containing molecules to encapsulate non-precious metals as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Then, we are working together with CHESS to study them using synchrotron x-ray techniques.
Techniques. Project 1: The students will use electrochemistry for the detection of biomarkers. We can divide these electrochemical techniques in two: slow and fast techniques. Both type of techniques are used for our research, while fast electrochemical techniques are required to directly measure biomolecules in biological tissues.
Project 2: The students will learn characterization techniques for the development of novel nanomaterials to prepare catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction needed to develop the use of alternative fuels. Moreover, this project is in collaboration with the Cornell igh Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) at Cornell University where we travel to perform characterization using synchrotron techniques.
Skills. The students will learn the fundamental chemistry behind redox reactions and electrochemistry, the basics of biosensors applied to different targets, as well as separation techniques to increase the selectivity of the detection. Moreover, students will be able to learn characterization techniques applied to nanomaterials as well as highly specialized synchrotron techniques such as XANES and EXAFS.
Webpage. http://cuncilab.com/ or http://cuncilab.weebly.com/
Twitter. @cuncilab (https://twitter.com/cuncilab)
1. Our laboratory is directed toward the development of bioanalytical techniques based on electrochemistry for the detection and monitoring of biomolecules. There are many advantages of using electrochemistry over other techniques that use light-based detection. Avoiding the use of light for measurements allows the detection of biomolecules in raw fluids without the need of purification. In addition, the versatility to change the material of the electrodes and to modify their surfaces, provide specificity toward the biomolecule of interest. Among the materials that we are using are carbon and platinum. They can be used alone or changing their surface, by self-assembly monolayers using thiols and/or adding conductive polymers to increase the selectivity of the specific analyte. The availability of having a novel electrochemical technique to the measurements of biomolecules will provide another alternative to the neurochemistry field.
2. Due to the problems that exist regarding climate change and how it affects the environment, we as citizens have the obligation to do something about it. In the last decades, we have had a problem with the electrical energy system on our island of Puerto Rico and it is for this reason that we have the responsibility to create alternatives to obtain renewable energy in an economic way to avoid fossil fuels. My research focuses on generating an electrocatalyst that is efficient, economic, and eco-friendly. The goal of the investigation is modifying onion-like carbon nanoparticles using nitrogen-containing molecules to encapsulate non-precious metals as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Then, we are working together with CHESS to study them using synchrotron x-ray techniques.
Techniques. Project 1: The students will use electrochemistry for the detection of biomarkers. We can divide these electrochemical techniques in two: slow and fast techniques. Both type of techniques are used for our research, while fast electrochemical techniques are required to directly measure biomolecules in biological tissues.
Project 2: The students will learn characterization techniques for the development of novel nanomaterials to prepare catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction needed to develop the use of alternative fuels. Moreover, this project is in collaboration with the Cornell igh Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) at Cornell University where we travel to perform characterization using synchrotron techniques.
Skills. The students will learn the fundamental chemistry behind redox reactions and electrochemistry, the basics of biosensors applied to different targets, as well as separation techniques to increase the selectivity of the detection. Moreover, students will be able to learn characterization techniques applied to nanomaterials as well as highly specialized synchrotron techniques such as XANES and EXAFS.
Webpage. http://cuncilab.com/ or http://cuncilab.weebly.com/
Twitter. @cuncilab (https://twitter.com/cuncilab)
To contact Dr. Cunci you can write to the address below
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]