Dr Barbara Finlayson-Pitts

The current focus of research in our group is laboratory studies devoted to understanding heterogeneous reactions of sea salt particles as well as oxides of nitrogen, both of which are important in determining ozone levels on local to global scales. The goal is to attain a molecular level understanding of chemistry at surfaces in order to quantitatively assess their role in the formation and fate of ozone, particles and other greenhouse-associated species. Techniques used include FTIR, Knudsen cell studies, atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry and differential optical absorption spectrometry, as well as an aerosol chamber in which the reactions of gases with particles can be followed with time. We also have collaborations with engineers who are integrating particle chemistry into airshed models, with theorists carrying out molecular dynamics simulations and with scientists carrying out field measurements of halogens and oxides of nitrogen.