Elucidating the gas-phase reactivity and photochemistry of halide anions

Overview

Bromine and iodine are suspected to be responsible for most of the halogen-induced ozone loss in the stratosphere but are not currently included in atmospheric models due to a paucity of knowledge of the gas-phase chemistry and photochemistry of their anions and radicals.

This project will develop and deploy advanced mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy techniques to enable precision measurements of the reactions and photo- reactions of gas-phase iodide and bromide anions and their oxides.

These state-of-the-art measurements of reaction kinetics and products will enable accurate chemical models that predict the impact of bromine and iodine chemistry on ozone levels and will inform future models for global climate.

Research activities

Students working on this project will develop new skills in:

• advanced mass spectrometry, including,
  • conducting gas phase ion-molecule reactions
  • laser-photodissociation of gaseous ions.

In parallel students will gain experience in the application of advanced quantum chemical calculations to elucidate the structure and energetics of ions in the gas phase.

Outcomes

Discoveries made in these projects will have a significant impact on our understanding of the chemistry and physics of Earth's atmosphere, particularly the role(s) of the halogens bromine and iodine that could be responsible for up to 72% of halogen-induced ozone loss in the stratosphere.

Keywords

• gas-phase chemistry
• atmospheric chemistry
• laser spectroscopy
• mass spectrometry

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.