Aerosols are a suspension of miniscule particles that are found in urban atmospheres, marine atmospheres, and other planetary atmospheres. While most organic molecules in the atmosphere absorb radiation in the infrared and UV region, one class of aerosols that has been recently characterized is known as brown carbon (BrC) aerosols. Appearing yellowish or brown in color, BrC aerosols absorb solar radiation extending into the visible region, overlapping more significantly with the solar emission spectrum. Several of the major light-absorbing chromophores in BrC have been identified which include nitroaromatics, yet there is uncertainty regarding their photodissociation processes. To address this knowledge gap, we utilize velocity map imaging of nitric oxide (NO) products arising from the 355 nm photolysis of two BrC molecules, nitrobenzene and <i>ortho</i>-nitrophenol. Therefore, the velocity and angular distributions of NO products are concurrently recorded, which report on the photolysis time scales and photodissociation mechanisms. Comparing the nonstatistical signatures imprinted in the experimental results to theoretical predictions reveals the photofragmentation mechanisms.

Nonstatistical dissociation dynamics of nitrobenzene and <i>ortho</i>-nitrophenol

2019 Spring National Meeting

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Nonstatistical dissociation dynamics of nitrobenzene and ortho-nitrophenol