Mark Mitchell, Ph.D.

Physical Chemistry

Department Chair

SC 411

x2048

 

Research Interests:

 

Our group has been developing methods to support and characterize very small clusters (1 – 5 nm diameter) of metal oxides for applications such as reactive adsorbents and catalysts. Our current research interests involve the investigation of the surface chemistry of organophosphonate species on supported nano-dimensional metal oxides. The goal is the development of new active materials for the decomposition of chemical warfare agents and pesticides. The U.S. Army has an interest in such materials for use as “immediate decon” materials, powders that can be dispersed over equipment or clothing that may have been exposed to chemical agents, to adsorb and destroy the agent. We are currently examining the reactivity of a particular simulant, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), as it adsorbs on nano-dimensional supported metal oxides and undergoes oxidative decomposition by reaction with ozone. The decomposition is very effective even at room temperature, and shows promise for use as part of a deployable system for protection of personnel from chemical agents. Much of this research involves the use of infrared spectroscopy to examine the surface reactions that take place during the reaction. We are also examining the temperature dependent binding of intercalators, such as ethidium bromide, with DNA as a way to determine the relative strengths of the binding interactions of these interactions, again using vibrational spectroscopy to examine vibrational bands that are indicative of the intercalation interaction.

 

Recent Publications:

 

Mark B. Mitchell, Viktor N. Sheinker, Woodrow W. Cox, Jr*, “The Room Temperature Reaction of Ozone and Dimethyl Methylphosphonate (DMMP) on Alumina-Supported Iron Oxide,” J. Phys. Chem. C, 2007, 111, 9417-9426.

 

Mark B. Mitchell, Viktor N. Sheinker, Woodrow W. Cox, Jr.*, Enid N. Gatimu*, and Aron B. Tesfamichael*, “The Room Temperature Decomposition Mechanism of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate (DMMP) on Alumina-Supported Cerium Oxide –Participation of Nano-Sized Cerium Oxide Domains,” J. Phys. Chem. B, 2004, 108, 1634-1645.