| The chemical transformation of trace gases, including reactions that result in aerosol particle formation, as well as the composition of the atmosphere deeply influence air quality and Earth's global climate. Use of a simulation chamber to study smog formation is a common method to investigate chemical transformations of trace gases. We focus our efforts on benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and m-, o-, and p-xylene gases (i.e., BTEX gases), which are often associated with air emissions from petroleum production industries. Studies have shown that these gases have multiple impacts on the environment and public health along with their effect on photochemical smog and ozone formation in the troposphere. We demonstrate our progress in developing an application of mid-IR continuous wave External Cavity Quantum Cascade Laser (EC-QCL) absorption spectroscopy for measurements of multiple trace gas species in combination with a smog simulation chamber. The results are compared to in situ measurements of the trace gas species with UV absorption spectroscopy. |
