Ternary homogeneous nucleation of H2SO4, NH 3, and H2O under conditions relevant to the lower troposphere

98Citations
Citations of this article
65Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Ternary homogeneous nucleation (THN) of H2SO4, NH3 and H2O has been used to explain new particle formation in various atmospheric regions, yet laboratory measurements of THN have failed to reproduce atmospheric observations. Here, we report first laboratory observations of THN made under conditions relevant to the lower troposphere ([H2SO4] of 106107 cmg3, [NH3] of 0.08-20 ppbv, and a temperature of 288 K). Our observations show that NH3 can enhance atmospheric H2SO4 aerosol nucleation and the enhancement factor (EF) in nucleation rate (J) due to NH3 (the ratio of J measured with vs. without NH3) increases linearly with increasing [NH3] and increases with decreasing [H2SO4] and RH. Two chemical ionization mass spectrometers (CIMS) are used to measure [H2SO4] and [NH3], as well as possible impurities of amines in the nucleation system. Aerosol number concentrations are measured with a water condensation counter (CPC, TSI 3786). The slopes of Log J vs. Log [H2SO 4], Log J vs. Log RH, and Log J vs. Log [NH3] are 3-5, 1-4, and 1, respectively. These slopes and the threshold of [H 2SO4] required for the unity nucleation vary only fractionally in the presence and absence of NH3. These observations can be used to improve aerosol nucleation models to assess how man-made SO 2 and NH3 affect aerosol formation and CCN production at the global scale. © 2011 Author(s).

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Benson, D. R., Yu, J. H., Markovich, A., & Lee, S. H. (2011). Ternary homogeneous nucleation of H2SO4, NH 3, and H2O under conditions relevant to the lower troposphere. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 11(10), 4755–4766. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-4755-2011

Readers over time

‘11‘12‘13‘14‘15‘16‘17‘18‘19‘20‘21‘22‘23‘24‘2502468

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 28

56%

Researcher 17

34%

Professor / Associate Prof. 5

10%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Chemistry 16

35%

Environmental Science 13

28%

Earth and Planetary Sciences 11

24%

Physics and Astronomy 6

13%

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free
0