Three gold-nanoparticle (AuNP) undergraduate experiment modules that are focused on nanoparticles interfacial phenomena have been developed. Modules 1 and 2 explore the synthesis and characterization of AuNPs of different sizes but with the same total gold mass. These experiments enable students to determine how particle size affects the AuNP optical properties and ligand binding capacities. Module 3 investigates the fundamental mechanism governing organothiol self-assembly onto AuNPs and explores the fate of the sulfur-bounded hydrogen (RS–H) for organothiols on the AuNP surface. A benchtop centrifuge, a UV–vis spectrophotometer, and pH strips are needed. The depth of required chemistry knowledge is appropriate for upper-level chemistry students.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been employed for the analysis of slurry samples. Quantitative analysis of slurry samples is crucial and challenging. The problems associated with slurry samples include splashing, surface turbulence, and the difficulties of obtaining reproducible samples due to sedimentation. The LIBS analysis has achieved limited success due to inherent disadvantages when applied to slurry samples. In order to achieve improved measurement precision and accuracy, a spin-on-glass sampling method was evaluated. Five elements (Al, Ca, Fe, Ni, and Si) were examined in five slurry simulants containing varying amounts of each ion. Three calibration models were developed by using univariate calibration, multiple linear regression, and partial least square regression. LIBS analysis results obtained from the partial least square regression model were determined to be the best fit to results obtained from inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy analysis.

Solubility isotherms are reported for the binary systems, NaNO3 + Na2SO4, and NaNO2 + Na2SO4, in aqueous solution and in I m NaOH and 3 m NaOH solutions. Measurements were conducted at both (25 and 50) degrees C for the NaNO2 + Na2SO4 system and at (25, 35, and 50) degrees C for the NaNO3 + Na2SO4 system. The presence of either sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite in solution results in a reduction of the solubility of sodium sulfate. At 25 degrees C, a transition of the stable crystalline phase from sodium sulfate decahydrate to anhydrous sodium sulfate occurs as the amount of either sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite in aqueous solution increases. The presence of sodium hydroxide in solution also results in decreased solubility over the entire isotherm, with an increase in sodium hydroxide concentration giving rise to lower solubilities. In the NaNO3 + Na2SO4 system, the incongruent double salt, darapskite, NaNO3 center dot Na2SO4 center dot H2O, was identified as the stable crystalline phase over a portion of the solubility isotherm at all temperatures examined. TGA experiments were performed to determine the correct number of waters of hydration for darapskite.