Morphology, Optical Properties, and Chemical Processing of Organic Films on Aqueous Aerosols

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Professor Veronica Vaida of the University of Colorado and a senior research associate, Dr. Roberto Bianco, are funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry and Atmospheric Chemistry programs to perform experimental and theoretical studies on atmospheric aerosols containing organic compounds. Organic aerosols are known to be important in problems related to the interaction of solar radiation and Earth's climate and to the human respiratory system. Structures, properties and dynamics of the particles are not well understood. This proposal seeks to combine new experimental methods including micelles electrosprayed into the gas phase with a wide array of theoretical methods to characterize aqueous particles of varying pH coated with amphiphiles. Three aspects are to be studied: the detailed molecular morphology of the aerosols by light scattering, followed by spectroscopic studies of non-reactive interactions of gas phase molecules with the aerosols, and finally, reactions on aerosol surfaces. Theoretical work by Dr. Bianco using molecular dynamics, stochastic kinetic modeling and quantum mechanics will parallel the experimental studies. Using the acquired data and physical models, the PIs will interact with atmospheric chemists at NOAA in Boulder to evaluate the effect of organic atmospheric aerosols on the absorption of solar radiation in the atmosphere. This information is required for accurate modeling and prediction of global climate changes.Professor Vaida's educational efforts include outreach to Hispanic students in the Denver area.