Research Interests:
Atmospheric chemistry, computational chemistry, mass spectrometry 

In general terms, the research goal of the Elrod group is to improve our understanding of the effects of changes to the environment caused by human activities. In particular, laboratory kinetics techniques are used to study the rates of chemical processes of importance in the Earth's atmosphere. Current projects include the determination of mechanisms for the production of ground level ozone and particle pollution (smog) via hydrocarbon oxidation, and the formation of organic-laden atmospheric particles thought to play a role in the formation of clouds and in the Earth's climate system. We use various commercial spectroscopy techniques and a custom built turbulent flow chemical ionization mass spectrometer to identify the components of the chemical systems and to make the kinetics measurements that allow the atmospheric signficance of the reaction systems to be determined. We also use computational chemistry methods implemented on the Oberlin supercomputer to help elucidate the meaning of our experimental results and to help guide the planning of new experiments.

Please see the Elrod group website at http://melrodvar.chem.oberlin.edu/~elrod/research.htm for more information on the research program.

Teaches:
Physical Chem, General Chem, Chem & Environment

Contact Information:
PH: 440 775 6583
FAX: 440 775 6682 
matthew.elrod@oberlin.edu
Science Center Office: A264 
Web Page: melrodvar.chem.oberlin.edu/~elrod

Feature Article: Breathing Easier

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BA, Grinnell
PhD, U.C. Berkeley

Recent Sabbaticals, U. Colorado, Boulder (2004-05)

Representative Works:

• M. T. Casale, A. R. Richman, M. J. Elrod, R. M. Garland, M. R. Beaver, M. A.
  Tolbert, "Kinetics of Acid-Catalyzed Aldol Condensation Reactions of Aliphatic
  Aldehydes," Atmospheric Environment, 41, 6212 (2007).
  
  
• A. K. Patchen, M. J. Pennino, A. C. Kiep, M. J. Elrod, "Direct Kinetics Study
  of the Product Forming Channels of the Reaction of Isoprene-Derived
  Hydroxyperoxy Radicals with NO," International Journal of Chemical Kinetics,
  39, 353 (2007).
  
  
• H. Y. Hsin and M. J. Elrod, "Overall Rate Constant Measurements of the Reaction
  of Hydroxy- and Chloloalkylperoxy Radicals Derived from Methacrolein and
  Methyl Vinyl Ketone with Nitric Oxide," Journal of Physical Chemistry A,
  111, 613 (2007).