Ozone Reaction Kinetics and Analytical Mass Spectrometry of Multi-Layer Organic Particles

Harvard University, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

The objective of this project is to improve understanding of the heterogeneous chemical kinetics of atmospheric particles. The P.I.s will study laboratory-generated atmospheric particles composed of cores of elemental carbon coated with organic layers and determine the chemical kinetics of reactions in the layers with ozone. The specific goals of the research are: (1) to generate particles composed of cores of elemental carbon with organic, (2) to determine the chemical kinetics of reactions in the layers with ozone, as dependent on the qualitative layering characteristics, such as thickness and chemical type, (3) to quantify interactions of the layers and the ozone reaction kinetics with relative humidity, and (4) to investigate the response of the aerosol mass spectrometer as a qualitative and quantitative analytical instrument for these types of organic particles. The broader impacts of this work will be an improved understanding of heterogeneous processes in the atmosphere that are important for human health, climate change, and air quality. This project will also foster international collaborations and provide opportunities for graduate training.