Aerosol interaction with air humidity

The hygroscopicity of aerosol particles is their ability to bind water vapor. This changes their shape, size, and phase behavior. This property affects the ability of particles to become cloud condensation nuclei, their optical properties, global climate change, and human health.

The project aims to study the interaction of aerosol particles with air humidity in the laboratory. Aerosol particles composed of substances commonly found in atmospheric aerosol will be generated and their hygroscopicity will be studied using a newly constructed humidification chamber. The size of the prepared dry particles will be measured using an APS aerodynamic particle spectrometer, and these particles will then be fed into a humidification chamber that simulates conditions in the human respiratory tract. The size of the humidified particles under conditions corresponding to the first branchings of the bronchi will again be measured by the APS spectrometer. The experimental results will be compared with model predictions.

Required education and skills

• Master’s degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, organic technology, chemical physics, meteorology, environmental sciences,
• willingness to do experimental work, learn new things, and work in a team.

Reference: Seinfeld J. H., Pandis S. N.: Atmos. Chemistry and Physics, J. Wiley, NY, 1998.

Consultants: RNDr. Ludmila Mašková, Ph.D., Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.