Molecular Structure and Microstructure of PM_2.5 Derived from Stationary and Mobile Fossil Fuel Sources

The research program had three primary objectives:

1.      To identify unique molecular and microstructure source signatures for PM_2.5 derived from fossil fuel combustion.

2.      To identify structural features that are important for human health considerations.

3.      To achieve, through laboratory experiments and modeling, a basic understanding of the formation mechanisms of the critical PM_2.5 structures identified.

The research employed an array of analytical techniques (XAFS spectroscopy, CCSEM, TEM, NMR, GC/MS, ICP-MS, INNA, etc.) to characterize the structure of PM_2.5 samples derived from large-scale combustion systems, diesel trucks, small laboratory combustion apparatus, a small experimental diesel engine, and ambient sampling devices.  Collaborators in the program included scientists from the EPA National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Ford Motor Company, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute (LRRI), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the National Synchrotron Light Source at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, and RJLee Group, Inc.  

Determination of Factors Affecting the Separation of Potentially Hazardous Trace Elements and their Behavior in Coal Tailings Impoundments

This project is funded through Crosscutting Technology Development at the Center for Advanced Separation Technologies (DE-FC26-02NT41607).  This poster was presented at the annual technical review meeting for the program.