| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S21557/01 |
| Title: |
On-line Ultra Trace Gas Analysis using Proton Transfer Reaction Mass and Electron Swarm Spectrometers |
| Principal Investigator: |
Mayhew, Professor C |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
School of Physics and Astronomy |
| Organisation: |
University of Birmingham |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
12 January 2004 |
Ends: |
11 January 2007 |
Value (£): |
209,631
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Analytical Science |
Gas & Solution Phase Reactions |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Aerospace, Defence and Marine |
Chemicals |
| Environment |
Food and Drink |
| Healthcare |
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology |
| Water |
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
| Panel Date | Panel Name | Outcome |
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11 Dec 2002
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Chemistry Prioritisation Panel (Science) Dec 02
|
Deferred
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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An ever-increasing need exists for high levels of sensitivity (ppbv - pptv) and chemical specificity to detect trace compounds in highly complex samples in real time. Examples include environmental science (e.g. waste management and pollution monitoring), defence (detection of explosives and chemical warfare agents), health and safety (e.g. monitoring factory air), and in the food processing area (e.g. monitoring food freshness). In meeting this need, some of the most promising approaches that have been developed are based on proton transfer to trace compounds by gas-phase ion-molecule reactions, or on the negative ionisation of a compound by gas-phase electron attachment. The overall success and general applicability of these approaches have been limited because of the lack of data on and an inadequate understanding of the elementary processes involved. Thus, instruments used for trace gas detection are not being exploited to their full potential. The PTR-MS and electron swarm apparatus offer rapid, very high sensitivity to trace gases. We wish to use our novel instruments to investigate thermal electron attachment to and ion reactions with trace gases. This includes the provision of data on the reaction and attachment rate coefficients and product ions for the various processes so that trace gases can be identified and concentrations in a particular environment readily quantified. Furthermore, we wish to explore the development of our apparatus for in-situ measurements of trace gases.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.bham.ac.uk |