Spectroscopy and Kinetics of Atmospheric and Astrochemical Reactions

Author: Messinger, Joseph Peter Herman

Year: 2021

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Okumura, Mitchio

Committee Members: Seinfeld, John H.; Stoltz, Brian M.; Blake, Geoffrey A.; Okumura, Mitchio

Option: Chemistry

DOI: 10.7907/ak7w-w439

Abstract

The reactions between reactive radicals and other neutral compounds have long been known to be important in atmospheric chemistry and astrochemistry. This work uses pulsed-laser photolysis cavity ringdown spectroscopy and laser-induced fluorescence to measure the rate constants and branching ratios of chemical reactions over a wide range of temperatures and pressures relevant to both polluted atmospheres, and the interstellar medium. This includes studying the OH + NO₂ reaction in the 253 – 333 K range, the reaction of CN with benzene (C₆H₆) and toluene (C₇H₈) down to 16 K, and the OH + CO reaction down to 30 K.

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