Hygroscopic growth of nanoparticlesMelissa Fink, advisors: Peter McMurry (ME), TBD |
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The equipment I am working with is capable of measuring the growth rate of nano-sized atmospheric aerosols. I have begun to study the water uptake of salt particles with original diameters between 4-20 nm. Because of its crystalline structure, salt has a distinct growth curve that has been studied at small diameters only recently. While water uptake occurs very quickly, our equipment might not be exposing them to the humidity long enough to reach stability. I am quantifying and correcting the residence time to account for this. This work will extend into particles produced in diesel emissions. |
Research
on atmospheric aerosols often involves measuring the size of the particle.
This is because certain physical characteristics, such as chemical reactivity,
can be inferred from the particle's size. In particular, the size of
the particle may change when it is exposed to humid air. The degree
of growth, and the level of humidity needed to cause the growth, will
depend on the chemical composition of the particle.