Matrix Isolation Spectroscopy in Atmospheric Chemistry – Structure and Reactions of Atmospherically Important Species

Abstract

Atmospheric chemistry has today grown from being a curiosity‐driven science to one that is necessity driven. A plethora of experimental and computational tools are used today to study the chemistry of our atmosphere, in an effort to preserving its health. In this article, we review the use of matrix isolation spectroscopy in the study of atmospheric processes. Most of the chemical reactions in the atmosphere are driven by light and hence photochemical studies of species present in the atmosphere are of great interest. Furthermore, atmospheric chemistry is also dominated by photochemically induced free radical chemistry, and hence techniques to study these reactive species must be resorted to. Matrix isolation spectroscopy is ideally suited for photochemical studies and for the study of reactive short‐lived species and has, therefore, been extensively used. In this article, we particularly discuss the chemistry and the role played by species such as OH ⋅ radicals, NO 3 radicals, and O 3 together with a variety of reactive species involving Br, F, and S. The use and chemistry of alternatives for chlorofluorocarbon s ( CFC s) are also discussed. As a result of the various studies, it has now become possible to understand the role of various species in the atmosphere and therefore to evolve administrative regulations that seek to preserve the health of the atmosphere.