Volatility-Resolved Measurements of Total Gas-Phase Organic Compounds by High Resolution Electron Impact Mass Spectrometry

Aerosol particles have important impacts on visibility, acid deposition, climate, and human health. A large fraction of these aerosols are generated from energy-related activities, and these organic compounds are known to constitute a significant fraction of ambient aerosol mass. Recently discovered discrepancies between measurements of organic aerosol mass and predictions from large scale atmospheric models suggest that our understanding of the sources of secondary organic aerosols is incomplete. This project will develop and test a novel instrument for the measurement and characterization of atmospheric Total Gas-Phase Organics (TGO). Gas-phase organic compounds will be collected cryogenically, desorbed, and measured with high-resolution electron impact mass spectrometry. The technique will enable the measurement of the total mass of all organic species as well as key chemical characteristics, such as the oxygen-to-carbon (O/C) ratio. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee The primary market for the TGO instrument would be atmospheric research groups at universities and national laboratories, including DoE facilities. In addition, the instrument would be well-suited for environmental monitoring, as well as for the characterization of emissions from a variety of industrial and energy production processes, including aircraft combustors, gas turbines, fluidized bed combustors, diesel combustors, and conventional furnaces