Investigation of the Effects of Glycine on the Hygroscopic Properties of Sodium Sulfate Aerosols
Advisor Information
Joshua Darr
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
7-3-2014 9:00 AM
End Date
7-3-2014 12:00 PM
Abstract
Atmospheric aerosols are associated with human health, changes that occur in the climate, and contamination of our natural environment. They are considered as a major contributor in physical and chemical processes of the atmosphere causing the climate to change, but their precise role is largely unknown. Deliquescence and efflorescence are two phenomena that influence aerosol’s’ optical and chemical properties. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is used to identify the deliquescence and efflorescence properties of sodium sulfate, Na2SO4, aerosols mixed internally with the amino acid glycine. Glycine, sodium sulfate particles, and a mixture of both particles were studied at different pHs and various relative humidities. No deliquescence was observed for glycine up to a relative humidity of 75%; however efflorescence was observed and was found to be pH dependent. At pH 3 the efflorescence relative humidity (ERH) was 50-55%, and it decreased to 45-50% and 40-45%, respectively, for pH 6 and 11. The particles consisting of the mixture of Na2SO4 and glycine deliquesced and effloresced at 60-65% and 50-60%, respectively.
Investigation of the Effects of Glycine on the Hygroscopic Properties of Sodium Sulfate Aerosols
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Atmospheric aerosols are associated with human health, changes that occur in the climate, and contamination of our natural environment. They are considered as a major contributor in physical and chemical processes of the atmosphere causing the climate to change, but their precise role is largely unknown. Deliquescence and efflorescence are two phenomena that influence aerosol’s’ optical and chemical properties. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is used to identify the deliquescence and efflorescence properties of sodium sulfate, Na2SO4, aerosols mixed internally with the amino acid glycine. Glycine, sodium sulfate particles, and a mixture of both particles were studied at different pHs and various relative humidities. No deliquescence was observed for glycine up to a relative humidity of 75%; however efflorescence was observed and was found to be pH dependent. At pH 3 the efflorescence relative humidity (ERH) was 50-55%, and it decreased to 45-50% and 40-45%, respectively, for pH 6 and 11. The particles consisting of the mixture of Na2SO4 and glycine deliquesced and effloresced at 60-65% and 50-60%, respectively.