University of Puerto Rico at Ponce ENGL4021-M03 To: Professor Pier Le Compte From: Fabian J. Cruz Meléndez Meeting Date: Thursday, September 23, 2021 Subject: Undergraduate Research Meeting INTRODUCTORY SUMMARY: ‘The purpose of this meeting was a presentation by student Kevin D. Correa Vargas bout his summer investigation. Kevin's presentation is titled as Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Sulfide Quantum Dots on Azo Dyes and it was carried out wih the research program Laboratory of Investigation of Nanotechnology and Characterization (LINC) of the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce. This program is based on research on nanoparticles, ‘especially quantum dots that have many functions such as the degradation of many dyes. INVESTIGATION DETAILS: ‘The objectives of Kevin's investigation were. study the properties of ZnS nanoparticles degrading Amaranth, Acid Red-14 and Tropaeolin dyes and the improvement of water contaminated by dyes. The process by which a nanoparticle acts, ‘on a dye is totally based on reactive oxygen species (ROS). The nanoparticles are irradiated with UV light and create ROS, then these oxygen species react with the dye and break their large bonds, which causes the dye to degrade (lose its color) and at the same time, creating oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and other healthy products. So, it can bbe said that with some nanoparticle a dye that is contaminating an aquatic place can be degraded to create a better aquatic environment. “The student, to begin his research, had to synthesize his nanoparticle. Kevin used different precursors or ligands and using a reflux system at different times, he was able to synthesize his Zinc Sulfide nanoparticle. After synthesis, Kevin performed photodegradation work using UV light and a 360-degree rotator with his dye and anoparticie mixtures. The student used different concentrations between dye vs nanoparticle and different times (0, 60 and 120 minutes) to be able to find his results. For the results, Kevin Correa used different tests such as X-ray Spectroscopy, Electron Diffraction Pattern, and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy. The research was successful as the student was able to effectively degrade the dyes: Acid Red-14 with 78% degradation, Amaranth with 86% degradation, and Tropaeolin with 92% degradation after 120 minutes of iradiation with UV-light. (|, ih { CONCLUSION: To conclude, it is advisable to listen to other students present their different investigations. First, you can leam about other fields and, maybe it serves as a motivation for more people to start doing research. Finally, by listening to a student to present, you helphim to have a better chance of winning in different contests as serves him of practice. Start doing your research.Universidad de Puerto Rico en Ponce Decanato de Asuntos Estudiantiles ‘Asociacin de Estudiantes de Quimica y Fisica Hoja de Asistencia Actividad: Investigaciones Subgraduadas Dia: 23 de septiembre de 2021 Hora:12:00 - 1:00 pm Nombre Niimero de estudiante ‘Noemi Ballesteros ‘843-17-2938 ‘Alondra A. Lugo Ruiz ‘$43-18-6406 Lionel E. Rivera Reyes 43-20-9626 ‘Jeremy A. Rodriguez Vargas 43-16-7798 Fabian J. Cruz Melendez 43-19-6152 Raymond Cruz 02-18-2683 ‘Yeidee Liz Alvarado Mateo 43-16-0182 Natalie M. Lopés Velasco 43-18-5002 Kerianys Nelesh Torres Torres 43-20-5768 Tosian Luciano Velazquez 43-13-3894 {802-19-2823 Natalia S Maldonado Molina 843-20-1409 ‘Javier J. Diaz Laboy 43-20-8573 Vianca A Torres Santiago 43-20-5682 Veronica Nash Montes 843-20-8290 Paola A Vélez Sepulveda 843-20-2158 Dayniel Aponte S321-3816 “Amanda Paola Vélez Sepilveda 43-20-8463 Mariannette Torres Mercado 43-17-6397 Edwin Lugo Ruiz 843-19-4868 ‘Angelie M. Nunez Colon 43-20-4887