Filtration and Measurement of Nanoaerosol Particles

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Clean air is a vital resource for human life. However, population growth, enhanced human activities, and the rapid expansion in industrial production have led to unprecedented demand on clean air all over the world. The 2013 report of the World Health Organization has shown that over 2 million premature deaths each year are attributed to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Among all air pollutants, nanosized particles suspended in the air, which are referred to as nanoaerosol, are proved to be the major cause of adverse health effects. They also negatively impact global climate change and extreme weather by interacting with solar radiation. It is of great importance to remove these airborne nanoparticles from the air, at their sources and from the ambient air.          Air filtration is the most effective method for air sampling and cleaning. An ideal filter is expected to have high efficiency with low resistance to the air flow. With the growing demand for energy conservation and clean air, there has been great interest in nanofiber filtration for its superior filtration efficiency and low resistance to air flow. Despite of the great potential of nanofiber filtration, very limited knowledge is available for the filtration of nanoaerosol particles. Nanoaerosol particles behave differently than microsized particles because of their unique physical properties in terms of size, surface area, density, morphology, diffusivity, mechanical constant, rigidity, electrical charging capability, aerodynamics, etc. All these properties lead to great uncertainties in nanoaerosol particle filtration.          This Discovery grant will support the applicant in conducting fundamental research in nanoaerosol filtration and measurement. The approach will be analytical and experimental. A generic experimental setup will be developed and employed to assist the experimental investigations. Theoretical analyses on nanoaerosol characterization and filtration will be validated by experimental data. This research program will greatly improve the understanding of nanoaerosol dynamics and its implications on the development of related instrumentation and air cleaning technologies.          New knowledge related to nanoaerosol particle filtration and measurement will contribute to the development of clean air technologies for the protection of public health and the environment. In the coming 5 years, at least 4 PhD and 2 MSc students will be trained through this DG program. More will be trained through other research funding that is closely related to the DG program. These HQP will become an important part of the Canadian workforce contributing to a sustainable economy, and to cutting edge research and education.