Grants and Contributions:

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Title:

Measurement of NO2 with the PhoNO photolytic converter system

Agreement Number:

EGP

Agreement Value:

$24,952.00

Agreement Date:

Oct 18, 2017 -

Organization:

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Location:

Alberta, CA

Reference Number:

GC-2017-Q3-00566

Agreement Type:

Grant

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Additional Information:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Recipient's Legal Name:

Osthoff, Hans (University of Calgary)

Program:

Engage Grants for universities

Program Purpose:

Scientists at Global Analyzer Systems Ltd. (GASL) have constructed a prototype of a novel photolytic NO2x000D
converter that can be used to upgrade existing NO/NOx chemiluminescence ambient air monitors. Thesex000D
instruments are used by environmental monitoring agencies and emission stack monitors to quantify NO andx000D
NO2. Current versions use a non-specific hot metal catalyst to convert NO2 to NO, which is detected byx000D
chemiluminescence. GASL's goal is to develop a converter that is specific to NO2. They are seeking to developx000D
a scientific understanding of what gases and gas mixtures cause interferences in the prototype converter to helpx000D
bring it to market.x000D
Dr. Osthoff's group will quantify the conversion efficiency in the prototype of a variety of gases in gas streamsx000D
of known composition, including NO2 (desired) and potentially interfering gases such as HONO, ClNO2,x000D
PAN, N2O5, HO2NO2, and HNO3. Interference that might arise from photochemical decomposition ofx000D
carbonyls and subsequent oxidation of NO to NO2 will be characterized. The experimental results will bex000D
rationalized using photochemical box model simulations.x000D
Alternative quartz photolysis cells (e.g., with smaller inner dimensions) will be constructed and evaluated. Thex000D
ultimate goal is to allow GASL to deliver a well-characterized, mature, and superior product to market.