Research Topics

Current research in the Grassian group focuses on the chemistry and impacts of complex environmental interfaces, including atmospheric aerosols, aqueous microdroplets, indoor surfaces, engineered nanomaterials, and geochemical surfaces

Heterogeneous chemistry and photochemistry of aerosols, aqueous microdroplets, and surfaces: from molecular processes to global impacts

• Heterogeneous and multiphase reactions of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds on the surface of mineral dust aerosol

• Inorganic and organic sulfate formation in aqueous aerosols 

• Sea spray aerosol composition, pH, structure and reactivity

• Ice nucleating particles in the atmosphere

• Multiphase formation of HONO at the air/water interface

• Photochemistry in the marine boundary layer: marine-chromophoric dissolved organic matter and small molecule photosensitizers

• Aqueous microdroplets: Enhanced reactivity, structure and chemical gradients

Chemistry of indoor surfaces and its impact on indoor air quality

• Surface chemistry of semi-volatile organic compounds on indoor relevant surfaces

• HONO in indoor environments: Role of surfaces, organic matter,  and light

• Water soluble gases and their interactions with TiO2 surfaces

• Deposition of organic films and particles on indoor air surfaces

Engineered and geochemical nanomaterials: surface chemistry and impacts

• Nanoparticle iron as a reactive constituent in air, water and soil 

• Geochemical nanomaterials and their surface  interactions with oxyanions, organic matter, biological components and contaminants in water

• Impact of particulate matter including nanoparticles,  on the environment and human health