The research focuses on (1) developing state-of-the-art online and offline measurement techniques for atmospheric emerging pollutants, such as micro- and nano-plastic particles, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and volatile chemical products (VCPs) ;  (2) the chemical transformation and physical interactions of emerging pollutants in the atmosphere; and (3) the climate impacts of emerging atmospheric pollutants. 

The research focuses on how chemical kinetics and physicochemical properties jointly impact secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation and transformation. The reaction kinetics and mechanisms derived from laboratory studies can also be applied to chemical transport models. 

This collaborational research focuses on chemical composition and how certain physicochemical properties of aerosols affect cloud condensation and ice nucleation processes. Our experimental results can also be combined with field measurement data and can be used to improve regional and global scale climate models. 

This research examines the health implications and fundamental properties of aerosols and nanoparticles using advanced physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and toxicology techniques. The results obtained from this study will improve understandings in the health impacts of air pollution as well as implications on atmospheric science, chemistry, and material sciences. 

This research topic involves mobile sampling using the Texas A&M Mobile Laboratory, with all instruments powered by lithium-ion batteries. Dr. Zhang and his group equip the mobile laboraotry with SP-HR-ToF-AMS,  Vocus CIMS, SMPS, NOx, O3, and other gas- and particle-phase analyzers. So far, Dr. Zhang's group has successfully deployed the mobile laboratory over 5 different field projects in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi on varous DOE and EPA funded projects. Future deployments of the Texas A&M mobile laboratory including North Carolina and California.