Atmospheric Photosensitized Heterogeneous and Multiphase Reactions: From Outdoors to Indoors

• Published in: Environmental science & technology Vol. 46; no. 4; pp. 1955 - 1963
• Main Authors: Gómez Alvarez, Elena, Wortham, Henri, Strekowski, Rafal, Zetzsch, Cornelius, Gligorovski, Sasho
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 21.02.2012
• Subjects: Air Pollutants - radiation effects; Air Pollution, Indoor; Applied sciences; Atmosphere; Atmospheric pollution; Chemical compounds; Chemical Sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Hydroxyl Radical - radiation effects; Indoor pollution and occupational exposure; Light; Nitrous Acid - radiation effects; Oceans and Seas; Oxidation; Photochemistry; Photolysis; Photosynthesis; Pollutants physicochemistry study: properties, effects, reactions, transport and distribution; Pollution; Reactors; Multiphase system; Atmospheric chemistry; Pollutant behavior; Photosensitization; Indoor pollution; Hydroxyl radicals; Air pollution; Indoor outdoor ratio; Photochemical reaction; Chemical reactivity; Heterogeneous reaction
• ISSN: 0013-936X; 1520-5851
• DOI: 10.1021/es2019675

This proposal involves direct photolysis processes occurring in the troposphere incorporating photochemical excitation and intermolecular energy transfer. The study of such processes could provide a better understanding of ·OH radical formation pathways in the atmosphere and in consequence, of a more accurate prediction of the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere. Compounds that readily absorb in the tropospheric actinic window (ionic organic complexes, PAHs, aromatic carbonyl compounds) acting as potential photosensitizers of atmospheric relevant processes are explored. The impact of hotosensitation on relevant systems which could act as powerful atmospheric reactors,that is, interface ocean-atmosphere, urban and forest surfaces and indoor air environments is also discussed.