Heterogeneous Chemistry of HOx Radicals in the Troposphere

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

The interaction of HOx radicals with tropospheric aerosol surfaces is believed to be significant, but there is little information regarding the mechanisms and rate of such processes. This project is a laboratory investigation of the interaction of OH and HO2 radicals with tropospheric aerosols. A low-pressure flow tube technique will be used, coupled with chemical ionization mass spectrometry for detection of reactants and products. Various organic and inorganic surfaces will be examined, to simulate reactions occurring on natural and anthropogenically influenced aerosols, including seasalt and sulfates. The influence of radical reactions on water uptake by these surfaces will also be examined using ellipsometry, a non-destructive optical technique.