The impact of biological structures on ice nucleation

01.03.2010 - 28.02.2013
Globales Einzelvorhaben
This is a Life Science project taking profit from recent developments of advanced techniques in Materials Science and Surface Science. Herein, we propose a laboratory study on ice forming mechanisms and kinetics of selected biological particles (fungal spores and pollen). By a combination of low-temperature spectroscopy, diffraction, and microscopy ice forming processes of biological surfaces will be assessed. Thus, information about the activity of these biological aerosols on the formation of ice clouds in the atmosphere will be gathered. The data are required for understanding the role of clouds in the Earth¿s radiation balance, which is prerequisite for climate change modelling. This highly topical problem falls within the primary field of research at the Faculty of Technical Chemistry: ¿Sustainability, Energy, Environment¿ and is within the development plan of the university: Comprehensive Area of Competence ¿Environmental Technology / Sustainable Development¿ and Social Aim (G2) ¿Contribution to answer Environmental Problems¿. Thus, this project will help the involved groups to strengthen their position within the faculty and the university. Since this is a cutting-edge project, there is excellent opportunity to publish in high-impact journals, which will improve the careers of the contributing scientists.

Personen

Projektleiter_in

Subprojektleiter_in

Institut

Forschungsschwerpunkte

  • Biological and Bioactive Materials: 50%
  • Environmental Monitoring and Climate Adaptation: 50%

Schlagwörter

DeutschEnglisch
Nukleationnucleation
Aerosoleaerosols
Wolkenbildungcloud formation
Biologische Partikelbiological particles

Externe Partner_innen

  • Institut für Chemische Technologien und Analytik
  • Service-Einrichtung fur Transmissions-Elektronenmikroskopie (USTEM)
  • Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, Université Lille 1

Publikationen