Analysis of stimuli responsive molecules: exploring pH-sensitive acid generators and redox-active molecules for electrochemical CO2 capture

Stimuli responsive molecules have come into focus as a mode of analyzing biological and environmental mechanisms of interests. Methods of analysis range from the chemiluminescent Schaap’s dioxetane to self-immolating polymers. Of particular interest for targeting cancer drug delivery and aiming at carbon dioxide capture are 4-chloromethylphenyl acetals and flavins, respectively. Herein, we have explored the applications of acid and voltage sensitive small molecules that can be used with the aim of challenging selective cancer drug delivery and electrochemical mediated carbon capture. We were able to use analytical methods such as NMR, LC-MS and HPLC along with generating pH-time curves to elucidate the mechanism of the hydrolysis of acid-sensitive 4-chloromethylphenyl acetals under extracellular tumor pH. We also analyzed how well an anthraquinone and flavin derivative can capture carbon dioxide under an applied voltage. We characterized these voltage sensitive molecules using cyclic voltammetry and ATR-SIERAS to explore how they capture carbon dioxide in real time. These molecular platforms may be useful in developing cancer selective drug delivery vehicles and more effective carbon capturing technologies.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Roberts, Joel William

Contributors dc:contributor

• Zimmerman, Steven
• Hergenrother, Paul
• Silverman, Scott
• Fratti, Rutilio

• Acid Amplifier
• Acid Generator
• Drug Delivery
• Ph
• Flavin, Climate Change, Carbon Dioxide
• Carbon Capture
• Atr-sieras
• Electrochemistry

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Joel Roberts

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129947

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129947