Faculty Exploratory Research Grants
Global Warming Potentials for Degradation Byproducts in the Atmosphere
Paul Blowers, Associate Professor, Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Grant: $9,602
The Kyoto Protocol calls for a reduction in emissions of chemicals that have global warming potentials (GWPs) that make them greenhouse gases (GHGs). Unfortunately, there is a lack of data for most species that are thought to be potential GHGs, and no information is available about their degradation byproducts.
Global warming potentials (GWPs) of chemicals have been measured only experimentally and exist for only a small percentage of chemicals. However, degradation products may cause additional global warming, which has been ignored in the literature because it is not feasible to study experimentally. This work will use theoretical chemistry to predict GWPs for hydrofluoroethers that are being introduced as fourth generation refrigerants and second generation replacement solvents. The data generated will be used to apply for external funding.
The grant will cover the costs to pay two undergraduate students for their hourly work, including summer support, in carrying out quantum chemical calculations and analyzing the results of the project.
In This Section
- Paul Blowers
Global Warming Potentials for Degradation Byproducts in the Atmosphere - Ed de Steiguer
Development of a Database and Website for State-Level Global Change Policy - Craig Rasmussen
Impact of Climate Variability on Soil Biogeochemistry Across a Semiarid Environmental Gradient in Saguaro National Park - Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman
Developing an Urban Ecosystem Research Program in Tucson, AZ: Monitoring N-deposition and Ecosystem Health - Thomas Swetnam
Effects of Climate Variability on Fire Regimes in Mountains of the Great Basin, AD 1700 to Present