We are interested in developing enzymes for electrochemical applications such as fuel cells and chemical sensors. Our recent efforts have focused on laccase, a copper oxidase that catalyzes the four-electron reduction of dioxygen to water in the presence of chemical mediators. This overpotential for reduction lowers the cell voltage and power density of a fuel cell. The aim of this research is to circumvent this overpotential by using laccase as catalyst in the cathode compartment of a fuel cell. Both types of fuel cells are being investigated.
Similar methodology is applied in the area of chemical sensors.
Research in both areas involves synthesis, molecular biology, electrochemistry, and absorption spectroscopy for the preparation and characterization of the biocatalysts and their corresponding devices. The aim of this research is to design and synthesize molecules to assemble into predictable motifs in their crystalline solids. For example, derivatives of diketopiperazine are known to form a one-dimensional motif in their crystalline solids, which we refer to as tapes. Depending on the scaffold and guest chosen, there is the potential for building materials with electronic, optical or magnetic properties using the principles of self-assembly. Moreover, by investigating the interplay between solution chemistry, surface chemistry and the processes of nucleation and crystal growth for these solids, we can better control the presence of polymorphism in organic solids.