Laboratory Studies of Heterogeneous Oxidation and Activation of Atmospheric Organic Aerosols

Boston College, Chestnut Hill MA

Investigators

Abstract

This project involves a three-year laboratory study on the nature of organic aerosol surfaces in the presence of water vapor. Laboratory studies will be used to quantify uptake parameters for several species at the gas/liquid interface. The techniques to be used include: a) a droplet train fast flow reactor, b) a bubble train reactor, and c) an aerosol mass spectrometer kinetics apparatus. These techniques make it possible to extract basic quantitative information necessary for modeling heterogeneous/multiphase interactions of gas phase species with atmospheric droplets and aerosols. This effort will improve understanding of heterogeneous chemical processes that take place on the surface of atmospheric aerosols and contribute to understanding the influence of atmospheric aerosols on human health and climate. Through REU supplements to this award, undergraduate students will have opportunities to participate in the research.