The Environmental Chemical Sciences (ECS) program of the Division of Chemistry will support the research program of Prof. Vicki Grassian of the University of Iowa. Prof. Grassian and her students will carry out detailed mechanistic studies using different spectroscopic tools, isotope labels, microscopy and calculations to provide a clearer understanding of chemical reactions that are of atmospheric significance. Prof. Grassian and her students will study the surface photochemistry of adsorbed chromophores, in particular the nitrate ion, on different surfaces and in different chemical environments. They will also study the surface chemistry, photochemistry and redox chemistry of anthropogenic metal oxide dusts. The study is potentially transformative since it could change the way we think about the chemistry of mineral dust aerosol in the atmosphere and its impact on our climate. The project will provide excellent educational opportunities for students, including some from under represented groups, desiring to work at the forefront of environmental science.
The focus of this research is to better understand the chemistry of particulate matter in the atmosphere by performing controlled laboratory experiments. Particles in our air play a role in atmospheric chemistry, climate and health yet the details of their chemistry and role in the atmosphere are often poorly understood. Particles are emitted into the atmosphere through a wide range of processes including coal fired power plants, vehicles, wildfires, volcanoes, mineral dust, and sea spray. In this NSF-supported research, state-of-the-art methods to study the fundamental chemistry of particles under controlled conditions were done in order to help unravel important details needed to better understand the role of particulate matter in the atmosphere. The focus of this research is on mineral dust. In particular, chemical reactions involving atmospheric gases with mineral dust were investigated. Several new mechanisms for these reactions were discovered. The goal the research is to use this new information to provide a clearer and more detailed understanding of the chemistry of mineral dust. This can then be used for the interpretation of measurements done in the atmosphere and as input into atmospheric chemistry models so as to predict the chemistry of the atmosphere. These translational aspects are an important component of these fundamental, laboratory-based studies. Our work mainly focus on solutions to societal problems as they relate to the environment and our molecular understanding of the complex processes that occur on the surface of atmospheric particles that lead to the uptake and/or conversion of very important trace gases including nitrous oxide, a green house gas whose sources and sinks are not well understood. A goal of our work is to take fundamental molecular based data and translate these data into an understanding of the global environment for potential use in policy making and regulation if needed. Since the majority of the grant funds are used to support personnel, the professional development of students is a very important component of the activities that we are engaged in. This NSF-funded research is of great interest to students and as such there are a number of undergraduates and graduate students engaged in the studies discussed herein. The research provides students with opportunities to engage in research that is interdisciplinary in nature. This research has contributed to the development of human resources by training graduate and undergraduate students as well as high school students in methods used in experimental chemistry including data acquisition, data analysis and the presentation of results. Additionally, translating research interests into educational activities and curriculum development is an ongoing effort. This includes developing laboratory experiments for undergraduate courses and developing curricula for both the chemistry and environmental sciences major.
