Chemical Characterization of Ultrafine Aerosol Particles

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Professor Murray Johnston of the University of Delaware is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry and Atmospheric Chemistry Programs for his research on chemical characterization of ultrafine aerosol particles. The work will develop a new analytical approach for ultrafine particle analysis, particularly those smaller than 10 nm. Laser desorption photoionization of aerosols collected on a plate will be demonstrated with aerosols in the 20-50 nm range. Ultimately, ambient aerosols in 5 nm range will be studied. The results will be compared to single particle analysis where possible. The characterization of aerosols and study of their formation and growth is an unsolved problem in condensed phase chemistry and atmospheric science. Understanding aerosols is key to accurate modeling of the atmosphere and prediction of global climate change. It is also important to study nanodroplets for their implications on health. Ultrafine particles are more harmful to breathe because they penetrate deeper into the lungs.