Wednesday, May 7th, 2008
UC Irvine University Club Library
University of California, Irvine
801 East Peltason Drive
Irvine, CA 92697
Reactions at Interfaces in the Atmosphere: A Challenge for the Chemical Community
Prof. Barbara J. Finlayson-Pitts,
2007 Tolman Award Recipient,
Chemistry Department, University of California, Irvine
The Award: The Richard C. Tolman Medal is awarded each year by the Southern California Section of the American Chemical Society in recognition of outstanding contributions to chemistry in Southern California. The Tolman Medal recognizes broad accomplishments in chemistry rather than a single fundamental discovery. These contributions may be of several kinds, including fundamental research of widely regarded influence, achievements of broad impact in chemical technology, significant contributions to chemical education, and outstanding leadership in science on a national level. To be eligible for the Medal, the recipient must have accomplished a major portion of his or her work while a resident of Southern California.
Abstract: The complex chemistry of the lower atmosphere involves a variety of organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, and is driven by oxidants such as O3 and the OH and NO3 free radicals. The impacts of this chemistry range from local and regional air pollution to global climate change. While much of the gas phase chemistry has been studied, there is far less known about “heterogeneous” processes. The latter typically involves interactions of gases with liquids and solids found in the troposphere in the form of suspended particulate matter as well as the surfaces of buildings, vegetation and biological surfaces such as the lung. It has only recently been recognized that reactions at the interface between air and such surfaces may have unique kinetics and mechanisms, and play an important role in the chemistry of the lower atmosphere and perhaps in its impacts as well. Some examples of this interface chemistry will be discussed in the context of the continuum from local/regional air pollution to climate change, and the interaction of anthropogenic with natural emissions.
Time: A reception will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 8:00 p.m.
Cost: There is a buffet dinner. The cost is $40 including wine with dinner, tax, and tip.
Reservations: Please call Nancy Paradiso in the Section Office at (310) 327 – 1216 or email office-at-scalacs-dot-org by Friday, May 2, 2008. Note: Please honor your reservation. If you make a reservation and do not attend, you will be liable for the cost of the luncheon.
Directions: A map and individualized google directions are available at http://www.uclub.uci.edu/Directions.php. Free parking is available in the University Club Parking Lot 18B.