Photochemistry in model aqueous-organic atmospheric condensed phases

Tara F. Kahan, Philip P.A. Malley, Jarod N. Grossman, Alexa A. Stathis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemChapter

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Photolysis in condensed phases is an important transformation process for aromatic pollutants such as pesticides and aromatic species associated with fossil fuel combustion. Photolysis kinetics and mechanisms (and therefore ultimate effects on human and environmental health) can depend strongly on the physical and chemical nature of these complex reaction media. While numerous studies have investigated photolysis kinetics and mechanisms in liquid deionized water, little is known about kinetics in other condensed phases such as organic and aqueous-organic aerosols and ice. We have measured photolysis rate constants of aromatic pollutants including substituted benzenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in simple models for atmospheric condensed phases. By systematically varying the physical and chemical properties of the reaction media, we have improved our understanding of how factors such as polarity and state of matter affect photolysis kinetics. These results can be incorporated into atmospheric models to improve predictions of pollutant fate and to better understand how the physicochemical properties of atmospheric reaction media affect reactivity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMultiphase Environmental Chemistry in the Atmosphere
EditorsSergey A. Nizkorodov, Alexander Laskin, Sherri W. Hunt
PublisherAmerican Chemical Society
Pages87-103
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9780841233638
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Publication series

NameACS Symposium Series
Volume1299
ISSN (Print)0097-6156
ISSN (Electronic)1947-5918

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering

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