Research

Dr. Zhang’s research includes fundamental physical chemical properties, multiphase reactions, and the climate effects of aerosol particles. Currently, Dr. Zhang's group is working on the following research projects:

Emerging Atmospheric Pollutants

The research focuses on (1) developing state-of-the-art online and offline measurement techniques for atmospheric emerging pollutants, such as micro- and nano-plastic particles, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and volatile chemical products (VCPs) ;  (2) the chemical transformation and physical interactions of emerging pollutants in the atmosphere; and (3) the climate impacts of emerging atmospheric pollutants. 

Aerosol Formation

The research focuses on how chemical kinetics and physicochemical properties jointly impact secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation and transformation. The reaction kinetics and mechanisms derived from laboratory studies can also be applied to chemical transport models. 

Aerosol-Cloud Interactions

This collaborational research focuses on chemical composition and how certain physicochemical properties of aerosols affect cloud condensation and ice nucleation processes. Our experimental results can also be combined with field measurement data and can be used to improve regional and global scale climate models. 

Fundamental Properties and Helath Impacts of Aerosols

This research examines the health implications and fundamental properties of aerosols and nanoparticles using advanced physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and toxicology techniques. The results obtained from this study will improve understandings in the health impacts of air pollution as well as implications on atmospheric science, chemistry, and material sciences. 

For lab infomration and the list of instruments used by us, please visit the Instruments page.