Our laboratory currently performs research in the following areas:

1. Supercritical fluid extraction from solid and liquid matrices. We are interested in the physical chemistry underlying the transfer of organic and inorganic solutes from various matrices to supercritical carbon dioxide.

2. Cloud point extraction of hydrophilic analytes from water and biological matrices. We are investigating the use of a number of surfactants
for this purpose.

3. Uses of carbon nanotubes for water remediation and analysis.

4. Stir bar sorption extraction for water analysis.

Recent Publications

1.                  Abdel-Salam, M., Burk, R.C. “Novel Application of Modified Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as a Solid-Phase Extraction Adsorbent for the Determination of Polyhalogenated Organic Pollutants in Aqueous Solution” Anal. Bioanal. Chem. (accepted February, 2008)

2.                  Yao, B., Nawaby, A. V., Liao, Xia, Burk, R. “Physical Characteristics of PMMA/PLLA Blends and Their CO₂ Blown Foams”, Journal of Cellular Plastics, 43(7), 385-398 (2007)

3.                  Aikawa, B., Burk, R.C., Sitholé, B.B. “Catalytic Hydrodechlorination of 1-Chlorooctadecane, 9,10-Dichlorostearic Acid, and 12,14-Dichlorodehydroabietic Acid in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide “, Appl. Catal. B – Environ. 43(4), 371-387 (2003)

4.                  Aikawa, B., Burk, R.C., Sithole, B.B. “Catalytic Dechlorination of 1-chlorooctadecane in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide”, Appl. Catal. B – Environ. 32(4), 269-280 (2001)

5.                  Curren, M.S.S., Burk, R.C., “Partitioning of Acidic Solutes Between Water and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide. Effect of pH and Ionic Strength” J. Chem. Eng. Data 45(5), 746-750 (2000)

6.                  Aranda R., Kruus P., Burk, R.C. “Assessment of Polycrystalline Graphites as Sorbents for Solid-Phase Microextraction of Nonionic Surfactants” J. Chrom. A 888(1-2), 35-41 (2000)