James Donaldson

Research in my laboratory brings techniques of physical chemistry to understand fundamental aspects of atmospheric and environmental chemistry. We use laser-induced fluorescence and Raman spectroscopies, non-linear laser spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, attenuated total reflectance FTIR and quantum chemical methods, combined with standard analytical methods (available in ANALEST) to probe and understand chemical interactions of atmospheric importance. These include: the kinetics and mechanisms of reactions taking place at aerosol, water and ice surfaces and in "urban surface films"; heterogeneous photochemistry on a variety of atmospheric surfaces; and novel chemistry induced by vibrational excitation. 

My research group is made up of graduate students, postdoctoral scientists and undergraduates. We enjoy strong interactions with other members of the Environmental Chemistry group, especially with Professors Abbatt and Murphy, as well as other environmental scientists at U of T and Environment Canada. Ongoing collaborations with scientists at CNRS in Lyon, PSI outside Zurich and CIRES in Boulder provide exciting opportunities for exchange visits to these laboratories.