TSP's Journey through PhD Chemistry as a Bulldog

 Yes, that's my definition of OP.  It is not synonymous with the conventional Oral Proposal which is a prerequisite for advancing to PhD candidacy, at MSU. OP: What is your Activation Energy? Before briefly delving into why I made this post. I would love to mention that, in the previous week, I made some progress in my research. I have had to prepare stock solution of 5 ppm each of my analytes (As, Pb, Cd). I will be analyzing the Point of Zero Charge .  In addition, using the muffle furnace I analyzed the ash content of the modified and pristine biochar, which are all in the range of 30-62%. I have kept the samples for later use, particularly for the next, which is mineral analysis. I have completed an instrumental training on TGA ( Thermogravimetric Analysis ).  I am progressing, and this is true. Yes, why am I talking about OP. As the subject refers; Opportunity vs Priority, which is what I am being presented every now and then in Grad school. Usually, research w...

I had informed in my previous post that I would unveil to you what I am up to, this semester. I had also told you that I would tell about what I am working on, in conjunction with my mentor, who is also my senior colleague. To begin, Sis. Beatrice works on biochar-supported phosphate as fertilizer, where in she added some amount of anhydrous magnesium sulfate as well as potassium dihydrogen phosphate. I am doing something similar too.  The difference is the compound(s) that serve(s) as the activating ingredient. Rice husk is a biomass feedstock with high surface area, and this characteristic per se makes it a good agent for biochar use. I took some grams of rice husk biochar dissolved in de-ionized water, activated with calcium chloride and potassium dihydrogen phosphate with some stirring at temperature 35-40 deg. C, for a period of 30 mins for each of the activators. The significance of activating with compounds as calcium chloride or magnesium sulfate is to increase the porosity...

  A mixture of mild and wild, that's the true content of life. This can be homogeneous or heterogenous; it all depends on how you look at it. At least, that's how I see it.  TSP: Listen, I've found the true content of life I missed a 50-minute class on Current Problems in Chemistry because I chose to begin work at the research lab, today. Sister Beatrice who is in her finals has proved to be a superlative mentor. I really flow with her so well, not because she is African, but because of the adjective to her name: Sister! I like other lab members too- everyone with his or her uniqueness. I am wowed by Samadhi's viable and enviable altruism. I am getting to know everyone in the lab better. About Beatrice. It's a story for another day how I got to know her, and how she wins my heart as a "superlative mentor".  "Starting is the capital of any state you wish to experience" - @thesolutionpeddler I am working with her on the synthesis of phosphate ferti...

Hey, Ana! Check to see if no one is eavesdropping.  As I was saying... In fulfilment of the responsibility saddled to me and my other fresh colleagues in the department by the Graduate Coordinator; Dr. Wipf, I had mailed three other faculty members whose works draw my attention. Well, prior to my arrival in Starkville, I had made up my mind I would do nothing else but Biochar. I had decided not to do any lab rotation until now, when Dr. Wipf mandated that every incoming graduate student should interview a minimum of three faculty members before a final commitment is made to work for a particular mentor.  Today, I interviewed with Dr. Scott for 50 minutes. She did show a great deal of enthusiasm concerning her research interests and current projects. The one that catches my attention is the use of lignin-rich plant materials towards the synthesis of biodegradable plastics as well as coatings and adhesives . She is also into biochemical sensor and electrochromic aspects of polym...

Hey, I'm glad you stopped by again. It's high time you understood what Biochar is, so that you are able to distinguish it from what it is not. This, and subsequent blog posts will help enlighten you about the wonders of Biochar.  You will be able to identify the difference between Biochar and charcoal (if there is any difference at all); the uniqueness of Biochar in our big and small world; structures and functions of Biochar ; its production and applications ; modifications ; analysis ; and what I am doing right now with this knowledge . In fact, you may get to know an encapsulated version of my daily and weekly endeavors in Grad School, as well as what drives me into exploring the wonders of the black substance .  I am passionate about exposing you to something you will thank me later for. It was one of the great philosophers of antiquity who said, "nothing is static, everything is in a state of flux" . This statement can serve as an addendum to the Ecclesiastic w...