# Kinetic Isotope Effects in Atmospheric Sinks of Methane

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Rochester (NY) · $732,679

## Abstract

This project aims to improve the understanding of atmospheric methane oxidation by hydroxyl and chlorine radicals. A new, state-of-the-art laboratory setup will provide high accuracy measurements. A wide range of experimental conditions will be employed, including using different radical precursors and varying temperature, pressure, and reactant concentrations in ways not previously studied. This work is motivated by the fact that methane is highly important in global atmospheric chemistry, and the uncertainties associated with atmospheric methane oxidation currently limit the capability to use methane isotopic measurements to study the global methane budget. The new measurements from this study are expected to contribute to the understanding of societally important issues of air pollution and radiative forcing. Training and supporting early career scientists are significant components of this project, and outreach activities are planned.

The project will involve fabricating a laboratory photochemical reactor that uses a laser source for radical generation. Tunable Infrared Laser Direct Absorption Spectroscopy (TILDAS) is the primary analytical technique to be used for high-precision measurements of methane mole fraction and isotopic composition, while FTIR and UV Absorption Spectroscopy will be used for measurements of methane and other key chemical species inside the reactor. The photochemical reactor system will enable studying the reactions of OH and Cl with 12CH4, 13C

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2516797
- **Awardee organization:** University of Rochester (NY)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** F27KDXZMF9Y8
- **PI:** Aparajeo Chattopadhyay
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $732,679
- **Funds obligated:** $732,679
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2516797

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2516797, Kinetic Isotope Effects in Atmospheric Sinks of Methane. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2516797. Licensed CC0.

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