Laboratory Studies of the Role of Amines in Particle Formation, Growth and Climate
EMSL Project ID
39729
Abstract
Understanding the processes involved in new particle formation (NPF) and growth in the atmosphere is critical for accurate predictions of their impacts on visibility, climate and health. Recent studies suggest that the reaction of organic amines with both inorganic and organic acids may be significant contributors to NPF and growth. However, there are very few laboratory studies of these processes. We propose here a collaborative effort with Dr. Alla Zelenyuk to carry out laboratory studies of these reactions using a newly developed flow system in the Finlayson-Pitts lab, combined with SPLAT II-MS by Dr. Zelenyuk. In addition, in years 2 and 3, the utility of nano-SIMS for depth-profiling of the particles will also be explored in collaborative work with Dr. A. Scott Lea. The Finlayson-Pitts lab is well equipped to measure gases as well as size distributions and chemical composition of particles using FTIR and collection of particles on filters and impactors followed by extraction and analysis using a variety of traditional analytical approaches such as GC-MS, HPLC-MS, ESI and ASAP. In addition, an aerosol mass spectrometer will be available in the fall of 2010. However, SPLAT II-MS has proven invaluable in previous collaborative studies in providing key data on single particle densities and composition as a function of size. In the proposed research, experiments will be carried out primarily at UCI using the unique aerosol flow system, but some preliminary experiments at EMSL using smaller, static Teflon chambers will beneficial in establishing optimal experimental conditions for more intensive experiments to be carried out at UCI. Collaborations with EMSL in the past have been highly productive, with thirteen coauthored publications in peer-reviewed journals to date, six of which are with Dr. Zelenyuk. In addition, several more papers are in preparation, and numerous presentations on this work have been given at conferences. This unique combination of expertise and instrumentation will lead to new insights at the molecular level into the role of organic amines in new particle formation and growth in the atmosphere, providing fundamental data needed to elucidate their impacts on visibility, climate and health.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2010-10-06
End Date
2013-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members