Informal Lunchtime Atmospheric Chemistry Discussion Series
Presented by: Mehrnaz Sarrafzadeh, Graduate Student
Tuesday, Feb. 3rd. Noon - 1PM - 317 Petrie
Description: A three month research exchange was conducted at Forschungszentrum Jülich in Jülich, Germany to extend our knowledge of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) formation from beta-pinene photo-oxidation. SOA constitute a substantial fraction of ambient organic aerosols and are known to adversely affect visibility, climate and health. Despite extensive studies, the chemical composition and mechanism of SOA formation is not well understood.
Experiments were carried out under atmospherically relevant conditions in the Jülich Plant Atmosphere Chamber (JPAC) to investigate the SOA mass yield as well as climate parameters that impact mass yield, such as NOx. Furthermore, the formation and detection of highly oxidized multifunctional products which contribute significantly to atmospheric SOA is briefly discussed.