The PACMAN Chair focuses on advancing knowledge of the degradation mechanisms of aromatic compounds, which are key precursors to secondary organic aerosols (SOA), and halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in both the troposphere and stratosphere. 

The aim is to characterize the precursors involved in the reactions that these molecules undergo in the atmosphere, the products of these reactions, and the pathways or mechanisms of the reactions with the intermediates involved. 

The Chair explores the main photolysis pathways of various SOAs precursors and halogenated PAHs that have not been tackled before, mainly by isolating the molecules in cryogenic matrices (noble gases, nitrogen, water, para-hydrogen) and then studying different types of photo-induced processes in these systems, as well as reactions with relevant small molecules in the atmosphere. 

This project is unique in its focus on the largely unexplored photochemistry of halogenated PAHs and specific precursor molecules of secondary organic aerosols. Instead of replicating the exact and complex atmospheric conditions, the aim is to achieve a deeper understanding of the physical chemistry within these systems.