Heterogeneous Reactions of Chloride Salts in the Atmosphere: A Surface Science Approach

University Of California-Irvine, Irvine CA

Investigators

Abstract

Reactions of gases at solid interfaces play a key role in atmospheric chemistry. This project aims at developing a better understanding of the surface composition of systems that make up atmospheric particles, such as sea salt particles and sea salt ice. In particular, the phenomenon of surface segregation in mixed halides (e.g. NaCl doped with Br) will be studied using X-ray photoelectron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and other techniques. The kinetics and mechanisms of other heterogeneous reactions relevant to atmospheric chemistry will also be studied, including the particle size dependence of the effect of water on reactions on NaCl surfaces, and preliminary studies of chemistry on soot.