The PSI Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry studies gases and aerosols in the atmosphere, affected by energy systems and impacting air quality, weather, climate change and human health.
Lab News & Scientific Highlights
Desert dust in Europe is increasing
Researchers at PSI have determined how much dust from the desert makes its way to different regions of Europe. They have found that it is increasing.
From Ocean Plankton to Clouds
PSI researchers help uncover a major natural source of cloud-forming particles over the Southern Ocean
Machine learning helps refine aerosol measurement characterization
Machine learning, applied to year-long observations from the Zeppelin Observatory on Svalbard, was capable of refining aerosol chemical characterization specifically those measured with state-of-the-art mass spectrometric techniques.
Pollution from aircraft
Researchers at PSI have measured how flight operations at Zurich Airport affect the atmospheric concentration of ultrafine particulate matter. In the process, they also found lubricating oil compounds in the air.
Publications
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Aggarwal S, Bansal P, Wang Y, Jorga S, Macgregor G, Rohner U, et al.
Identifying key parameters that affect sensitivity of flow tube chemical ionization mass spectrometers
Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. 2025; 18(17): 4227-4247. https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-4227-2025
DORA PSI -
Ajith TC, Windwer E, Fang Z, Li C, Modini RL, Onasch TB, et al.
Evaluation of the 365 nm CAPS PM SSA monitor and its use in both laboratory and field measurements
Aerosol Science and Technology. 2025; 59(11): 1456-1474. https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2025.2488478
DORA PSI -
Aliaga D, Sinclair VA, Krejci R, Andrade M, Artaxo P, Blacutt L, et al.
New particle formation dynamics in the central Andes: contrasting urban and mountaintop environments
Aerosol Research. 2025; 3(1): 15-44. https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-15-2025
DORA PSI -
Ammann M
Concluding remarks: atmospheric chemistry in cold environments
Faraday Discussions. 2025; 258: 597-613. https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fd00042d
DORA PSI -
Bartels-Rausch T, Creamean J, Thomas JL, Willis M, Zieger P
Ten crucial unknowns in atmospheric chemistry in the cold
Faraday Discussions. 2025; 258: 10-22. https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fd00056d
DORA PSI