Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Lu Hu
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Chemistry
Abstract / Artist's Statement
2,5-Dimethylfuran (DMF) is a proposed biofuel with low solubility in water and high miscibility with gasoline and diesel oil. DMF can be synthesized from cellulose found in dry plant matter, such as agricultural residues, energy crops, forestry residues, and yard trimmings. Furthermore, it is also found in tobacco smoke, roasted coffee aroma, and biomass burning smoke through combustion processes. When compared to leading industry renewable biofuels like ethanol it has a higher energy density, lower volatility, and a higher-octane level. Many studies have been conducted on DMF’s performance as a biofuel, when added to or compared to current leading fuels like ethanol and gasoline. However, fewer studies have been conducted on its toxicity and environmental impact due to the lack of analytical skills and methods.
My project aims to identify and quantify DMF in ambient air, by developing and refining the analytical technique using proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). I will examine the ion chemistry, fragmentation, sensitivity, and humidity dependence of DMF measurements in PTR-MS. I first developed a liquid DMF standard to examine the detected masses for fragmentation, and then performed a series of stepwise standard additions using a 10-microliter syringe pump to gain instrument sensitivities. The calibrations can also be carried out at different humidity levels to examine if the presence of more water clusters affected the ion chemistry of the PTR-MS for DMF measurements. Based on these experiments, I will make recommendations for optimal instrument conditions to measure DMF in ambient air at the part per billion level.
Category
Physical Sciences
Measurement of atmospheric 2,5-Dimethylfuran Using Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometry
UC South Ballroom
2,5-Dimethylfuran (DMF) is a proposed biofuel with low solubility in water and high miscibility with gasoline and diesel oil. DMF can be synthesized from cellulose found in dry plant matter, such as agricultural residues, energy crops, forestry residues, and yard trimmings. Furthermore, it is also found in tobacco smoke, roasted coffee aroma, and biomass burning smoke through combustion processes. When compared to leading industry renewable biofuels like ethanol it has a higher energy density, lower volatility, and a higher-octane level. Many studies have been conducted on DMF’s performance as a biofuel, when added to or compared to current leading fuels like ethanol and gasoline. However, fewer studies have been conducted on its toxicity and environmental impact due to the lack of analytical skills and methods.
My project aims to identify and quantify DMF in ambient air, by developing and refining the analytical technique using proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). I will examine the ion chemistry, fragmentation, sensitivity, and humidity dependence of DMF measurements in PTR-MS. I first developed a liquid DMF standard to examine the detected masses for fragmentation, and then performed a series of stepwise standard additions using a 10-microliter syringe pump to gain instrument sensitivities. The calibrations can also be carried out at different humidity levels to examine if the presence of more water clusters affected the ion chemistry of the PTR-MS for DMF measurements. Based on these experiments, I will make recommendations for optimal instrument conditions to measure DMF in ambient air at the part per billion level.