CAREER: Particle Morphology and Composition Effects on Chemical Reaction Rates in Aerosols

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This project will use two complementary techniques to investigate chemical reactions in aerosols: Aerosol Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry (Aerosol CIMS) and Single-Particle Mass Spectrometry (SPMS). A "probe" reaction between gas-phase ozone and unsaturated organics in various model particles will be studied to determine how different types of particles can influence reaction rates. These model particles, consisting of organic, humic, soot and inorganic components, will be used to represent different types of aerosols found in the atmosphere. The morphology of these particles will be studied using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), to seek correlations between the physical features (e.g. fractal nature, porosity, etc.) and the reactivity of the particles. The goals are to help reduce the complexity of ambient particles by elucidating how particle morphology and the underlying particle substrate influence reactivity.Educational and outreach activities will be developed in conjunction with teachers and staff at the Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta in order to help educate students of all ages about specific atmospheric chemistry and air quality issues. The activities include the introduction of an Atmospheric Chemistry component into the curriculum of a science magnet program at the Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta, development of an Atmospheric Sciences exhibit at the Science Center on issues such as global warming or smog formation, and creation of Teacher Resource Kits designed as stand-alone resources for teachers, with each kit focusing on a particular topic related to atmospheric chemistry or air pollution.