5
Characterization
of Carbonaceous Particles: Aerosol
Mass Spectrometry and Light Scattering—Aerodyne Research, Inc., 45 Manning
Road, Billerica, MA 01821-3976; 978-663-9500
Dr.
Timothy B. Onasch, Principal Investigator, onasch@aerodyne.com
Mr.
George Wittreich, Business Official, gnw@aerodyne.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-05ER84268
Amount:
$748,839
Aerosol
particles have important effects on visibility, acid deposition, climate, and
human health. A large fraction of
the anthropogenic aerosol is generated from energy-related activities, and
organic compounds are known to constitute a significant fraction of ambient
aerosol mass in many locations. Yet,
large uncertainties remain in quantifying the chemical composition and
atmospheric transformations of these aerosols, especially with respect to
organic particulate matter. Particularly
lacking are real-time, size-resolved, quantitative instruments for the
identification, speciation, and source apportionment of carbonaceous aerosols. An
innovative thermal desorption, time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer recently
has been developed with capabilities that can fill a critical need for
size-resolved, quantitative chemical composition data on aerosol particles.
This project will develop and demonstrate a light scattering module for
this instrument, which will enable full characterization of carbonaceous
components, including their state of mixing (and atmospheric aging), along with
other chemical components such inorganics and dust. In
Phase I, the
light scattering system was optimized and installed in a quadruople aerosol mass
spectrometer, ray tracing calculations were performed to optimize optical
detection, software for analyzing data on individual particles in real-time was
developed, and the system capabilities were quantified.
Phase II will continue the development of the light scattering module and
its incorporation into the new time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer.
The combined instrument will be tested on multiple aerosol systems in the
laboratory and during a future field study.
Commercial
Applications and other Benefits as
described by the awardee: Beyond
the application for atmospheric research, the combined aerosol mass spectrometer
and light scattering module could provide aerosol measurement capabilities for a
variety of monitoring applications. A
portable instrument could be employed in industrial process monitoring and
chemical and biological warfare agent identification.
In addition, the instrument is ideally suited for the characterization
and control of aerosol emissions from production processes that produce aerosol
laden exhaust, including semiconductor manufacturing, gas turbines, fluidized
bed combustors, diesel combustors, and conventional furnaces.