Aerosol interaction with air humidity

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

The aim of the project is 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 with an APS aerodynamic particle spectrometer and these will then be fed into a humidification chamber simulating conditions in the human respiratory tract. The size of the humidified particles under conditions corresponding to the first branchings of bronchi will again be measured by the APS spectrometer. The experimental results will be compared with model predictions.

Required education and skills

• Master 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.

Co-supervisors: RNDr. Ludmila Mašková, Ph.D., Ing. Jaroslav Schwarz, CSc.