Aromatic derived oxygenated molecules from autoxidation (AROMA)

The urban air contains large amounts of often carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbons. Thankfully, many of them chemically react away, but in the process produce molecules with many oxygen atoms that "stick" to other molecules when they collide. This leads to the formation and growth of particles in the air that, on one hand reduce air quality, and on the other regulate the climate by allowing clouds to form. In the Aroma group, computational and mass spectrometry methods are used to understand how aromatic hydrocarbons lead to urban aerosol. This understanding is crucial for our ability predict present and future air quality and climate trends.

The focus of the group is to reveal molecular level oxidation mechanisms of key aromatic hydrocarbons that are present in urban air. To achieve this, we combine computational quantum chemistry calculations with laboratory mass spectrometry measurements. These oxidation mechanisms will subsequently be employed to improve the accuracy of current aerosol models, which will be tested against measured aerosol yields from aromatic hydrocarbons. 

The consistent under prediction of urban aerosol by current models can only be resolved by more accurate oxidation mechanisms. The Aroma group will provide these for key aromatic hydrocarbons and, with the help of collaborators both national and international, provide a realistic understanding of the impacts of urban aerosol on both air quality and climate. This will aid in making better informed policy decisions.

Siddharth Iyer (siddharth.iyer [at] tuni.fi)