Work

A two-dimensional volatility basis set – Part 2: Diagnostics of organic-aerosol evolution

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: . We discuss the use of a two-dimensional volatility-oxidation space (2-D-VBS) to describe organic-aerosol chemical evolution. The space is built around two coordinates, volatility and the degree of oxidation, both of which can be constrained observationally or specified for known molecules. Earlier work presented the thermodynamics of organics forming the foundation of this 2-D-VBS, allowing us to define the average composition (C, H, and O) of organics, including organic aerosol (OA) based on volatility and oxidation state. Here we discuss how we can analyze experimental data, using the 2-D-VBS to gain fundamental insight into organic-aerosol chemistry. We first present a well-understood "traditional" secondary organic aerosol (SOA) system – SOA from α-pinene + ozone, and then turn to two examples of "non-traditional" SOA formation – SOA from wood smoke and dilute diesel-engine emissions. Finally, we discuss the broader implications of this analysis.

Source: Atmospheric chemistry and physics

DOI: 10.5194/acp-12-615-2012

Authors: N. M. Donahue, J. H. Kroll, S. N. Pandis, A. L. Robinson

Institutions: Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, FORTH Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Atmospheric chemistry and aerosols

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,725

Funders: National Science Foundation, Electric Power Research Institute