Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junfeng Wang, Jianhuai Ye, Qi Zhang, Jian Zhao, Yangzhou Wu, Jingyi Li, Dantong Liu, Weijun Li, Yange Zhang, Cheng Wu, Conghui Xie, Yiming Qin, Yali Lei, Xiangpeng Huang, Jianping Guo, Pengfei Liu, Pingqing Fu, Yongjie Li, Hyun Chul Lee, Hyoungwoo Choi, Jie Zhang, Hong Liao, Mindong Chen, Yele Sun, Xinlei Ge, Scot T. Martin, Daniel J. Jacob
Summary: Field observations during a winter haze event in Beijing reveal fast aqueous-phase conversion of fossil-fuel primary organic aerosol (POA) to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) at high relative humidity. It is suggested that ring-breaking oxidation of POA aromatic species may be the dominant mechanism for SOA formation. This POA origin for SOA could explain why SOA has been decreasing despite flat emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over the years 2013-2018.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yixin Li, Jiayun Zhao, Yuan Wang, John H. Seinfeld, Renyi Zhang
Summary: Photooxidation of toluene can lead to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and light-absorbing brown carbon (BrC) through a complex series of chemical reactions, involving the production of dicarbonyls and carboxylic functional groups as primary precursors. The study shows that volatile dicarbonyls form nonvolatile oligomers and light-absorbing nitrogen heterocycles/heterochains at high humidity, while organic acids contribute to aerosol carboxylates through ionic dissociation or acid-base reactions over a wide range of humidity levels. These findings highlight the important role of toluene in SOA/BrC formation due to the unique functionalities of dicarbonyls and organic acids in aerosol-phase reactions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tianzeng Chen, Jun Liu, Biwu Chu, Yanli Ge, Peng Zhang, Qingxin Ma, Hong He
Summary: Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is an important component of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and its physicochemical properties change significantly during the aging process. By studying the continuous aging process of gas-phase organic intermediates and SOA formed from the photooxidation of toluene, it was found that the SOA mass concentration and corrected SOA yield were significantly enhanced as the OH exposure increased. Organic acids and multiple oxygen-containing oxidation products were continuously produced during the aging process, and functionalization of SOA dominated in the photochemical aging process. This study suggests that SOA yields as a function of OH exposure should be considered in air quality models to accurately assess their impact on SOA properties and regional air quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wanying Li, Jiangyao Chen, Qinhao Lin, Taicheng An
Summary: This study investigates the kinetics, products, and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from the ozonolysis of mixtures of aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and organic amines (OAs). The results show that the reaction rates decrease and the yields of main products increase in the mixed system compared to the individual systems. Formaldehyde acts as a bridged product connecting the ozonolysis pathways of these two substrates. The ozonolysis reaction has a significant impact on the formation of SOA.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiushang Xu, Amy L. Vonder Haar, Rengo Yoshioka, Qizheng Zhang, Serhii Vasylevskyi, Andrew J. Musser, Akimitsu Narita
Summary: A benzo[rst]pentaphene derivative, BPP-MeOPA, was synthesized and characterized by NMR and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Investigation of its photophysical properties, including transient absorption spectroscopy, revealed improved absorption and emission features from an S-1 state with excitonic and charge-transfer character by introducing MeOPA groups.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chunshui Lin, Ru-Jin Huang, Jing Duan, Haobin Zhong, Wei Xu
Summary: The study found that the formation of organic nitrate in the atmosphere is predominantly influenced by photochemical processes, with secondary organic nitrate accounting for a significant portion of the nitrate signal during haze and reference periods.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Yushi Ohno, Shogo Ando, Daisuke Furusho, Ryoyu Hifumi, Yuuya Nagata, Ikuyoshi Tomita, Shinsuke Inagi
Summary: Here, a facile and selective synthesis of cationic azatriphenylene derivatives was achieved through electrochemical intramolecular cyclization, where the key step involves atom-economical C-H pyridination without a transition-metal catalyst or an oxidant. This proposed strategy provides a practical approach for introducing cationic nitrogen (N (+)) into pi-electron systems, thus expanding the molecular design of N (+)-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Marceau Lecasble, Laurent Remusat, Jean-Christophe Viennet, Boris Laurent, Sylvain Bernard
Summary: Carbonaceous chondrites contain various soluble compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The origin of PAHs in these chondrites is debated, but they may provide information about accretion and alteration processes. The size and isotopic composition of PAHs can reveal information about these processes.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yusuke Nakakuki, Takashi Hirose, Hikaru Sotome, Min Gao, Daiki Shimizu, Ruiji Li, Jun-Ya Hasegawa, Hiroshi Miyasaka, Kenji Matsuda
Summary: Helically twisted conductive nanocarbon materials are suitable for optoelectronic and electromagnetic molecular devices on the nanometer scale, showing a large effective conjugation length and ultrafast decay dynamics. The extended π-helicenes achieved a large effective conjugation length through helical fusion, leading to an absorption edge in the near-infrared region.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Meng Qiao, Weixiao Qi, Huijuan Liu, Jiuhui Qu
Summary: Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) have higher concentrations and toxicity in water environments, posing significant ecological risks to surface water ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yeong Jia Boom, Marie Enfrin, Dai Lu Xuan, Stephen Grist, Dilan Robert, Filippo Giustozzi
Summary: Recycled plastic modified asphalt is a new topic in the road construction industry. This study investigated the use of four types of recycled plastic in asphalt and found that except for the mixture at 180 degrees Celsius, adding recycled plastic can effectively reduce overall emissions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thomas Liu, Baptiste Carles, Christine Elias, Claire Tonnele, Daniel Medina-Lopez, Akimitsu Narita, Yannick Chassagneux, Christophe Voisin, David Beljonne, Stephane Campidelli, Loic Rondin, Jean-Sebastien Lauret
Summary: In this study, we conducted single-molecule spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures to investigate the optical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). We found that temperature has an effect on the spectral characteristics of GQDs, and we used density functional theory calculations to explain these observations. Additionally, we discovered that the vibrational features can serve as a unique fingerprint for identifying GQDs.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Huimin Zhong, Cong Jiang, Jiahui Zou, Guancheng Zhu, Yanyan Huang
Summary: In this study, CeO2-based porous carbonaceous frameworks (CeO2 PCFs) were used as antioxidant nanozymes to scavenge reactive oxygen species and absorb benzo[a]pyrene. CeO2 PCFs exhibited excellent superoxide dismutase-like and catalase-like activity, effectively eliminating superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide. The 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radical scavenging assay confirmed the free radical scavenging ability of CeO2 PCFs. Furthermore, CeO2 PCFs with large surface area and porous structure efficiently adsorbed benzo[a]pyrene. The designed CeO2 PCFs can serve as new antioxidant nanozymes for scavenging reactive oxygen species and adsorbing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ayman N. Saber, Haifeng Zhang, Ashraful Islam, Min Yang
Summary: This study reports the occurrence, fates, and carcinogenic risks of SPAHs and PAHs in two coking wastewater treatment plants, revealing that biological treatment processes effectively remove MPAHs, OPAHs, and NPAHs. Transformation and adsorption were identified as major mechanisms for removing different types of PAHs and SPAHs. Concerns were raised over the relatively high concentrations of SPAHs in excess sludge and treated effluent, as well as the potential lung cancer risks posed by the presence of SPAHs in the ambient air.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fangkun Wang, Yuxiang Bu
Summary: In this work, a dual-descriptor strategy based on ground-state electronic properties is proposed for predicting the singlet fission (SF) energetics. This strategy is statistically verified and validated through exploring the effect of N-doping on the electronic/energetic properties of N-doped tetracene derivatives and isomers. The results suggest several rules of thumb and provide insights into efficient SF-capable materials.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kabindra M. Shakya, Richard E. Peltier, Yimin Zhang, Basu D. Pandey
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kabindra M. Shakya, Peleg Kremer, Kate Henderson, Meghan McMahon, Richard E. Peltier, Samantha Bromberg, Justin Stewart
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
David J. Miller, Blake Actkinson, Lauren Padilla, Robert J. Griffin, Katie Moore, P. Grace Tee Lewis, Rivkah Gardner-Frolick, Elena Craft, Christopher J. Portier, Steven P. Hamburg, Ramon A. Alvarez
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. D. Stewart, K. M. Shakya, T. Bilinski, J. W. Wilson, S. Ravi, Chong Seok Choi
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Subin Yoon, Stephanie M. Ortiz, Adelaide E. Clark, Tate E. Barrett, Sascha Usenko, Rachelle M. Duvall, Lea Hildebrandt Ruiz, Jeffrey K. Bean, Cameron B. Faxon, James H. Flynn, Barry L. Lefer, Yu Jun Leong, Robert J. Griffin, Rebecca J. Sheesley
Summary: Understanding the sources and composition of organic carbon in the Houston metropolitan area and the relationship with O-3 and PM concentrations was investigated using chemical mass balance modeling and radiocarbon analysis. Results showed a consistent urban background of contemporary carbon and motor vehicle exhaust, with fossil SOC having a stronger correlation with daily maximum 8 h average O-3 during high PM and O-3 events. Impacts of point source emissions processed by onand off-shore wind cycles likely contribute to peak events for both PM and O-3 in the greater Houston metropolitan area.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kabindra M. Shakya, Alexander Saad, Alex Aharonian
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiyang Bi, Amin Kiaghadi, Benjamin C. Schulze, Carl Bernier, Philip B. Bedient, Jamie E. Padgett, Hanadi Rifai, Robert J. Griffin
Summary: Simulation predicts that damage by severe storms to infrastructure containing chemicals can result in widespread pollution of the atmosphere, potentially affecting the health of residents and workers in downwind regions.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Justin D. Stewart, Peleg Kremer, Kabindra M. Shakya, Meghan Conway, Alexander Saad
Summary: Microbes are abundant in the near-surface atmosphere of urban areas, and their distribution can be influenced by the urban landscape. Individuals in cities are exposed to diverse microbial environments outdoors and within indoor transit systems. Variation in urban landscape structure is associated with diversity and function of near-surface atmospheric microbiomes.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kyle R. Kellenbenz, Kabindra M. Shakya
Summary: Indoor radon is a significant environmental threat to public health as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This study aims to investigate seasonal and annual variations in indoor radon concentrations in Pennsylvania from 1988 to 2018, identify hotspot areas, and analyze associations with factors such as weather conditions and housing types.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ruth McDermott-Levy, Madeline Scolio, Kabindra M. Shakya, Caroline H. Moore
Summary: The study found that climate change impacts on human mortality involve environmental changes and social demographic factors, resulting in complex effects. The meteorological impacts of climate change influence various aspects such as temperature, air quality, drought, wildfires, precipitation, and disease spread, while social and demographic factors are related to health determinants and social demographics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lucas E. Cummings, Justin D. Stewart, Peleg Kremer, Kabindra. M. Shakya
Summary: Understanding the relationship between urban structure patterns and air pollutants is crucial for sustainable urban planning. This study used a mobile monitoring method to collect PM2.5 and BC data in Philadelphia during the summer of 2019 and applied the STURLA methodology to examine the relationship between urban structure and atmospheric pollution. The results show that PM2.5 and BC concentrations vary across different STURLA classes, and the proportions of STURLA components can predict the spatial distribution of air pollution. Among the frequently sampled STURLA classes, gpl (grass, pavement, and low-rise buildings) had the highest average PM2.5 concentrations, while tgbwp (trees, grass, bare soil, water, pavement) had the highest BC concentrations. The STURLA method combined with machine learning modeling successfully correlated air pollution concentrations with urban landscape composition and interpolated concentrations throughout the city. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the STURLA methodology in modeling the relationship between air pollution and urban structure patterns.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Dandan Wei, Hariprasad D. Alwe, Dylan B. Millet, Brandon Bottorff, Michelle Lew, Philip S. Stevens, Joshua D. Shutter, Joshua L. Cox, Frank N. Keutsch, Qianwen Shi, Sarah C. Kavassalis, Jennifer G. Murphy, Krystal T. Vasquez, Hannah M. Allen, Eric Praske, John D. Crounse, Paul O. Wennberg, Paul B. Shepson, Alexander A. T. Bui, Henry W. Wallace, Robert J. Griffin, Nathaniel W. May, Megan Connor, Jonathan H. Slade, Kerri A. Pratt, Ezra C. Wood, Mathew Rollings, Benjamin L. Deming, Daniel C. Anderson, Allison L. Steiner
Summary: The FORCAsT model has been upgraded to version 2.0, incorporating changes in operator splitting, vertical mixing, and dry deposition to improve estimation of isoprene oxidation products and iSOA formation. The inclusion of isoprene in the aerosol module in FORCAsT 2.0 leads to a 7% mass yield of iSOA, with tetrafunctionals and IEPOX identified as the most important iSOA precursors.
GEOSCIENTIFIC MODEL DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Blake Actkinson, Katherine Ensor, Robert J. Griffin
Summary: Mobile monitoring is increasingly popular for characterizing air pollution, with new method State-Informed Background Removal (SIBaR) using hidden Markov models showing promise in quantifying and removing background. SIBaR shows high agreement with predetermined background allocation, but also has limitations in realistic source contribution estimates when extrapolating. The results suggest SIBaR could serve as a framework for improved background quantification and removal in future mobile monitoring studies.
ATMOSPHERIC MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lucas E. Cummings, Justin D. Stewart, Radley Reist, Kabindra M. Shakya, Peleg Kremer
Summary: The study used a mobile monitoring method to measure air pollutant concentrations in Philadelphia, finding that PM2.5 and BC had the highest concentrations. Data showed that air pollution hotspots were mainly distributed in the North Delaware, River Wards, and North planning districts in Philadelphia across different size fractions of particles and BC.
FRONTIERS IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Loredana G. Suciu, Robert J. Griffin, Caroline A. Masiello
Summary: A zero-dimensional modeling framework was developed to investigate the degradation of levoglucosan (LEV) emitted during biomass burning in the atmosphere, as well as its effects on secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and other gases. The results show that the degradation timescale of LEV varies by phase and has effects on SOA and other gases. The study suggests that most of the initial LEV concentration can be chemically lost or deposited locally before being transported regionally.
GEOSCIENTIFIC MODEL DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
