We develop and apply advanced analytical methods to detect molecular tracers of chemical processes, whether these occur during hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass to develop new biofuels or are involved in the formation and growth of atmospheric aerosols.

Our research addresses some of the major issues in society today, namely air pollution, climate change and the development of alternative fuels. We use our analytical expertise to investigate chemical processes from molecular to global scales. The analyses demand a suite of instruments to detect molecules with a wide range of volatility and polarity properties. We develop analyses using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with specialized injection methods, and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-qTOF-MS) for analysis of polar compounds to provide information on the exact chemical composition. These analytical methods are also used for the study of other topics such as novel food ingredients.

Our projects are often carried out in national and international collaborations, e.g. when we study aerosols in Greenland and the Amazon, or develop sustainable high-value ingredients and biofuels together with industrial partners.