Air pollution and climate change are important, global challenges for the global community. However, already the natural atmosphere is a very complex mixture of gaseous and particulate components. Anthropogenic emissions add another dimension to this complexity.
To understand the underlying mechanisms and interactions of such an intricate system we have developed SAPHIR* (STAR: STirred Atmospheric tank Reactor), a new research vessel for investigation of atmospheric processes. SAPHIR* is a continuously stirred tank reactor completely made of glass with a volume of 2 m³. It is designed for experiments under highly controlled conditions and operated in a quasi-stationary mode (steady state). The system is highly automated and can keep all important and relevant parameters constant for hours, enabling investigations of complex chemical systems at very low precursor concentrations.
To investigate atmospherically relevant chemical systems, SAPHIR* features a large set of gas phase and particle phase instrumentation. Standard analytical instrumentation like GC-FID-MS is routinely used. For online quantification proton-transfer mass spectrometry for the gas phase and aerosol mass spectrometry for the particle phase is available. In addition, the newest generation of chemical ionization mass spectrometers with a range of different ionization methods and sources are used in combination for the most advanced investigation of the underlying chemical mechanisms.
Currently, the focus of the studies performed at SAPHIR* is on the oxidation of biogenic precursors and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) under the influence of anthropogenic trace gases like for example nitrogen oxides, methane, or carbon monoxide. Here, we will present some recent results from those studies obtained with the latest mass spectrometric techniques in atmospheric sciences.
