Research

The sea-surface microlayer (SML) is a thin organic film at the top of the ocean that mediates the exchange of gases and particles between the atmosphere and the ocean. We investigate photochemical reactions occurring at this critical interface, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Our work aims to understand how sunlight-driven chemistry at the ocean surface influences atmospheric composition and marine boundary layer chemistry, with implications for climate feedback mechanisms.

Urban surfaces accumulate a complex film known as “urban grime” — a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds deposited from traffic emissions, cooking, and other anthropogenic activities. We study how sunlight drives heterogeneous photochemical reactions on these surfaces.

Our research has revealed that these light-induced reactions on urban grime can produce significant amounts of HONO (nitrous acid), a key precursor of OH radicals in the urban atmosphere. This work has important implications for understanding urban air quality.

Cloud and fog droplets, as well as deliquescent aerosol particles, serve as important reaction media for atmospheric chemistry. We investigate photochemical processes in these aqueous environments, focusing on the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and the transformation of organic compounds.

Our studies examine how light-driven reactions in cloud water and aerosol liquid water produce brown carbon and other light-absorbing species, contributing to our understanding of aerosol-radiation interactions and climate effects.

People spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, yet indoor atmospheric chemistry remains poorly understood. Our group investigates photochemical and oxidation reactions occurring on indoor surfaces and in indoor air, including interactions between ozone and cleaning agents, cooking emissions, and human skin oils.

We have demonstrated that indoor surfaces illuminated by sunlight can produce significant amounts of secondary organic aerosols and reactive nitrogen species, with important implications for indoor air quality and human health.