Articles | Volume 17, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1037-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Special issue:
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1037-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
13 Feb 2024
Research article |
| 13 Feb 2024
| 13 Feb 2024
Development and characterization of a high-performance single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (HP-SPAMS)
Xubing Du
Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for on-line source apportionment system of air pollution, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Qinhui Xie
Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for on-line source apportionment system of air pollution, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Qing Huang
Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for on-line source apportionment system of air pollution, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Xuan Li
Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for on-line source apportionment system of air pollution, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Junlin Yang
Guangzhou Hexin Analytical Instrument Limited Company, Guangzhou, 510530, China
Zhihui Hou
Guangzhou Hexin Analytical Instrument Limited Company, Guangzhou, 510530, China
Jingjing Wang
Guangzhou Hexin Analytical Instrument Limited Company, Guangzhou, 510530, China
Xue Li
Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for on-line source apportionment system of air pollution, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Zhen Zhou
Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for on-line source apportionment system of air pollution, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Zhengxu Huang
Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for on-line source apportionment system of air pollution, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Wei Gao
Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for on-line source apportionment system of air pollution, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for on-line source apportionment system of air pollution, Guangzhou, 510632, China
Related authors
Aodong Du, Jiaxing Sun, Hang Liu, Weiqi Xu, Wei Zhou, Yuting Zhang, Lei Li, Xubing Du, Yan Li, Xiaole Pan, Zifa Wang, and Yele Sun
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 13597–13611, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13597-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13597-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We characterized the impacts of emission controls on particle mixing state and density during the Beijing Olympic Winter Games using a SPAMS in tandem with a DMA and an AAC. OC and sulfate-containing particles increased, while those from primary emissions decreased. The effective particle densities increased and varied largely for different particles, highlighting the impacts of aging and formation processes on the changes of particle density and mixing state.
Xuan Li, Lei Li, Zeming Zhuo, Guohua Zhang, Xubing Du, Xue Li, Zhengxu Huang, Zhen Zhou, and Zhi Cheng
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-598, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-598, 2022
Preprint archived
Short summary
Short summary
The particle size and chemical composition of bioaerosol were analyzed based on single particle aerosol mass spectrometer. Fungal aerosol of 10 μm was measured for the first time and the characteristic spectrum of bioaerosol was updated. The ion peak ratio method can distinguish bioaerosols from interferers by 97 %. The factors influencing the differentiation of bioaerosols are also discussed. Single particle mass spectrometry can be a new method for real-time identification of bioaerosols.
Jiaxing Sun, Yele Sun, Conghui Xie, Weiqi Xu, Chun Chen, Zhe Wang, Lei Li, Xubing Du, Fugui Huang, Yan Li, Zhijie Li, Xiaole Pan, Nan Ma, Wanyun Xu, Pingqing Fu, and Zifa Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 7619–7630, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7619-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7619-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We analyzed the chemical composition and mixing state of BC-containing particles at urban and rural sites in winter in the North China Plain and evaluated their impact on light absorption enhancement. BC was dominantly mixed with organic carbon, nitrate, and sulfate, and the mixing state evolved significantly as a function of relative humidity (RH) at both sites. The absorption enhancement depended strongly on coated secondary inorganic aerosol and was up to ~1.3–1.4 during aging processes.
Long Peng, Lei Li, Guohua Zhang, Xubing Du, Xinming Wang, Ping'an Peng, Guoying Sheng, and Xinhui Bi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 5605–5613, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-5605-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-5605-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We build a novel system that utilizes an aerodynamic aerosol classifier (AAC) combined with a single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS) to simultaneously characterize the volume equivalent diameter (Dve), chemical compositions, and effective density (ρe) of individual particles in real time. A test of the AAC-SPAMS with both spherical and aspherical particles shows that the deviations between the measured and theoretical values are less than 6 %.
Bojiang Su, Zeming Zhuo, Yuzhen Fu, Wei Sun, Ying Chen, Xubing Du, Yuxiang Yang, Si Wu, Fugui Huang, Duohong Chen, Lei Li, Guohua Zhang, Xinhui Bi, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-443, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-443, 2020
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, chemical composition, mixing state and aging degree of individual sea spray aerosol (SSA) were measured by single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS) during summer monsoon in southern China. Our results show that organic acids has significant contribution to chloride depletion of SSA. A class of biological SSA underwent relative weak chloride depletion compare to other SSA types, which may attribute to organic species (i.e. organic nitrogen and biological phosphate).
Xiufeng Lian, Yongjiang Xu, Fengxian Liu, Long Peng, Xiaodong Hu, Guigang Tang, Xu Dao, Hui Guo, Liwei Wang, Bo Huang, Chunlei Cheng, Lei Li, Guohua Zhang, Xinhui Bi, Xiaofei Wang, Zhen Zhou, and Mei Li
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3469, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3469, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we analyzed the mixing state and atmospheric chemical processes of Pb-rich single particles in Beijing. Then, we focused on analyzing the differences in Pb-rich particles between the heating period and non-heating period, as well as the formation mechanism of lead nitrate after coal-to-gas conversion. Our results highlighted the improvement of coal-to-gas conversion on Pb in the particulate.
Junhong Huang, Lei Li, Xue Li, Zhengxu Huang, and Zhi Cheng
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2577, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2577, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We developed an aerodynamic sampling system that extends the PM2.5 lens transmission range to 10 µm. This approach reduces the beam incidence angle and narrows the beam width compared to earlier designs. Using PSL balls, we confirmed the injection system's high transmission performance. Tests with standard dust sample showed consistency with APS results. This study presents a new design framework that enhances transmission range and efficiency while supporting instrument miniaturization.
Liangbin Wu, Cheng Wu, Tao Deng, Dui Wu, Mei Li, Yong Jie Li, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2917–2936, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2917-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2917-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Field comparison of dual-spot (AE33) and single-spot (AE31) Aethalometers by full-year collocated measurements suggests that site-specific correction factors are needed to ensure the long-term data continuity for AE31-to-AE33 transition in black carbon monitoring networks; babs agrees well between AE33 and AE31, with slight variations by wavelength (slope: 0.87–1.04; R2: 0.95–0.97). A ~ 20 % difference in secondary brown carbon light absorption was found between AE33 and AE31.
Aodong Du, Jiaxing Sun, Hang Liu, Weiqi Xu, Wei Zhou, Yuting Zhang, Lei Li, Xubing Du, Yan Li, Xiaole Pan, Zifa Wang, and Yele Sun
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 13597–13611, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13597-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13597-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We characterized the impacts of emission controls on particle mixing state and density during the Beijing Olympic Winter Games using a SPAMS in tandem with a DMA and an AAC. OC and sulfate-containing particles increased, while those from primary emissions decreased. The effective particle densities increased and varied largely for different particles, highlighting the impacts of aging and formation processes on the changes of particle density and mixing state.
Bojiang Su, Xinhui Bi, Zhou Zhang, Yue Liang, Congbo Song, Tao Wang, Yaohao Hu, Lei Li, Zhen Zhou, Jinpei Yan, Xinming Wang, and Guohua Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 10697–10711, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-10697-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-10697-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
During the R/V Xuelong cruise observation over the Ross Sea, Antarctica, the mass concentrations of water-soluble Ca2+ and the mass spectra of individual calcareous particles were measured. Our results indicated that lower temperature, lower wind speed, and the presence of sea ice may facilitate Ca2+ enrichment in sea spray aerosols and highlighted the potential contribution of organically complexed calcium to calcium enrichment, which is inaccurate based solely on water-soluble Ca2+ estimation.
Guohua Zhang, Xiaodong Hu, Wei Sun, Yuxiang Yang, Ziyong Guo, Yuzhen Fu, Haichao Wang, Shengzhen Zhou, Lei Li, Mingjin Tang, Zongbo Shi, Duohong Chen, Xinhui Bi, and Xinming Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 9571–9582, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-9571-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-9571-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We show a significant enhancement of nitrate mass fraction in cloud water and relative intensity of nitrate in the cloud residual particles and highlight that hydrolysis of N2O5 serves as the critical route for the in-cloud formation of nitrate, even during the daytime. Given that N2O5 hydrolysis acts as a major sink of NOx in the atmosphere, further model updates may improve our understanding about the processes contributing to nitrate production in cloud and the cycling of odd nitrogen.
Xuan Li, Lei Li, Zeming Zhuo, Guohua Zhang, Xubing Du, Xue Li, Zhengxu Huang, Zhen Zhou, and Zhi Cheng
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-598, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-598, 2022
Preprint archived
Short summary
Short summary
The particle size and chemical composition of bioaerosol were analyzed based on single particle aerosol mass spectrometer. Fungal aerosol of 10 μm was measured for the first time and the characteristic spectrum of bioaerosol was updated. The ion peak ratio method can distinguish bioaerosols from interferers by 97 %. The factors influencing the differentiation of bioaerosols are also discussed. Single particle mass spectrometry can be a new method for real-time identification of bioaerosols.
Jiaxing Sun, Yele Sun, Conghui Xie, Weiqi Xu, Chun Chen, Zhe Wang, Lei Li, Xubing Du, Fugui Huang, Yan Li, Zhijie Li, Xiaole Pan, Nan Ma, Wanyun Xu, Pingqing Fu, and Zifa Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 7619–7630, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7619-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7619-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We analyzed the chemical composition and mixing state of BC-containing particles at urban and rural sites in winter in the North China Plain and evaluated their impact on light absorption enhancement. BC was dominantly mixed with organic carbon, nitrate, and sulfate, and the mixing state evolved significantly as a function of relative humidity (RH) at both sites. The absorption enhancement depended strongly on coated secondary inorganic aerosol and was up to ~1.3–1.4 during aging processes.
Haoyu Jiang, Yingyao He, Yiqun Wang, Sheng Li, Bin Jiang, Luca Carena, Xue Li, Lihua Yang, Tiangang Luan, Davide Vione, and Sasho Gligorovski
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 4237–4252, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4237-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4237-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Heterogeneous oxidation of SO2 is suggested to be one of the most important pathways for sulfate formation during extreme haze events in China, yet the exact mechanism remains highly uncertain. Our study reveals that ubiquitous compounds at the sea surface PAHS and DMSO, when exposed to SO2 under simulated sunlight irradiation, generate abundant organic sulfur compounds, providing implications for air-sea interaction and secondary organic aerosols formation processes.
Brix Raphael Go, Yan Lyu, Yan Ji, Yong Jie Li, Dan Dan Huang, Xue Li, Theodora Nah, Chun Ho Lam, and Chak K. Chan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 273–293, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-273-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-273-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Biomass burning (BB) is a global phenomenon that releases large quantities of pollutants such as phenols and aromatic carbonyls into the atmosphere. These compounds can form secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) which play an important role in the Earth’s energy budget. In this work, we demonstrated that the direct irradiation of vanillin (VL) could generate aqueous SOA (aqSOA) such as oligomers. In the presence of nitrate, VL photo-oxidation can also form nitrated compounds.
Qi En Zhong, Chunlei Cheng, Zaihua Wang, Lei Li, Mei Li, Dafeng Ge, Lei Wang, Yuanyuan Li, Wei Nie, Xuguang Chi, Aijun Ding, Suxia Yang, Duohong Chen, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 17953–17967, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17953-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-17953-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Particulate amines play important roles in new particle formation, aerosol acidity, and hygroscopicity. Most of the field observations did not distinguish the different behavior of each type amine under the same ambient influencing factors. In this study, two amine-containing single particles exhibited different mixing states and disparate enrichment of secondary organics, which provide insight into the discriminated fates of organics during the formation and evolution processes.
Johannes Passig, Julian Schade, Robert Irsig, Lei Li, Xue Li, Zhen Zhou, Thomas Adam, and Ralf Zimmermann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 4171–4185, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-4171-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-4171-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Ships are major sources of air pollution; however, monitoring of ship emissions outside harbours is a challenging task. We optimized single-particle mass spectrometry (SPMS) for the detection of bunker fuel emissions and demonstrate the detection of individual ship plumes from more than 10 km in distance. The approach works independently of background air pollution and also when ships use exhaust-cleaning scrubbers. We discuss the potential and limits of SPMS-based monitoring of ship plumes.
Long Peng, Lei Li, Guohua Zhang, Xubing Du, Xinming Wang, Ping'an Peng, Guoying Sheng, and Xinhui Bi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 5605–5613, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-5605-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-5605-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We build a novel system that utilizes an aerodynamic aerosol classifier (AAC) combined with a single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS) to simultaneously characterize the volume equivalent diameter (Dve), chemical compositions, and effective density (ρe) of individual particles in real time. A test of the AAC-SPAMS with both spherical and aspherical particles shows that the deviations between the measured and theoretical values are less than 6 %.
Yuzhen Fu, Qinhao Lin, Guohua Zhang, Yuxiang Yang, Yiping Yang, Xiufeng Lian, Long Peng, Feng Jiang, Xinhui Bi, Lei Li, Yuanyuan Wang, Duohong Chen, Jie Ou, Xinming Wang, Ping'an Peng, Jianxi Zhu, and Guoying Sheng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 14063–14075, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-14063-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-14063-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Based on the analysis of the morphology and mixing structure of the activated and unactivated particles, our results emphasize the role of in-cloud processes in the chemistry and microphysical properties of individual activated particles. Given that organic coatings may determine the particle hygroscopicity and heterogeneous chemical reactivity, the increase of OM-shelled particles upon in-cloud processes should have considerable implications for their evolution and climate impact.
Shengqiang Zhu, Lei Li, Shurong Wang, Mei Li, Yaxi Liu, Xiaohui Lu, Hong Chen, Lin Wang, Jianmin Chen, Zhen Zhou, Xin Yang, and Xiaofei Wang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 4111–4121, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4111-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4111-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS) is widely used to detect chemical compositions and sizes of individual aerosol particles. However, it has a major issue: the mass accuracy of high-resolution SPAMS is relatively low. Here we developed an automatic linear calibration method to greatly improve the mass accuracy of SPAMS spectra so that the elemental compositions of organic peaks, such as Cx, CxHy, CxHyOz and CxHyNO peaks, can be directly identified just based on their m / z values.
Johannes Passig, Julian Schade, Ellen Iva Rosewig, Robert Irsig, Thomas Kröger-Badge, Hendryk Czech, Martin Sklorz, Thorsten Streibel, Lei Li, Xue Li, Zhen Zhou, Henrik Fallgren, Jana Moldanova, and Ralf Zimmermann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 7139–7152, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-7139-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-7139-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Particle-bound metals in both natural dusts and polluted air can induce severe health effects. They are also transported by the wind into the oceans; provide micronutrients; and thus modulate biodiversity, fisheries, and climate. We show a way to more efficiently detect metals in individual particles while preserving source information. Our detection scheme is less dependent on the particle type and atmospheric changes and is thus valuable to the study of biogechemical cycles and air pollution.
Bojiang Su, Zeming Zhuo, Yuzhen Fu, Wei Sun, Ying Chen, Xubing Du, Yuxiang Yang, Si Wu, Fugui Huang, Duohong Chen, Lei Li, Guohua Zhang, Xinhui Bi, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-443, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-443, 2020
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, chemical composition, mixing state and aging degree of individual sea spray aerosol (SSA) were measured by single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS) during summer monsoon in southern China. Our results show that organic acids has significant contribution to chloride depletion of SSA. A class of biological SSA underwent relative weak chloride depletion compare to other SSA types, which may attribute to organic species (i.e. organic nitrogen and biological phosphate).
Ying Chen, Viacheslav Kozlovskiy, Xubing Du, Jinnuo Lv, Sergei Nikiforov, Jiajun Yu, Alexander Kolosov, Wei Gao, Zhen Zhou, Zhengxu Huang, and Lei Li
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 941–949, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-941-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-941-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Ion delayed extraction technique in single particle mass spectrometry has been found to improve the mass resolution of instruments. Through further research, it was found that it can improve the aerosol particle detection efficiency because it can eliminate the influence of the electrical field on the charged aerosol trajectory so that more effective data can be obtained in a short time in laboratory or field atmospheric aerosol research, especially in low-concentration aerosol sample analysis.
Jia Yin Sun, Cheng Wu, Dui Wu, Chunlei Cheng, Mei Li, Lei Li, Tao Deng, Jian Zhen Yu, Yong Jie Li, Qianni Zhou, Yue Liang, Tianlin Sun, Lang Song, Peng Cheng, Wenda Yang, Chenglei Pei, Yanning Chen, Yanxiang Cen, Huiqing Nian, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 2445–2470, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-2445-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-2445-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric aging processes (AAPs) can lead to black carbon (BC) light absorption enhancement (Eabs), which remained poorly characterized at a long timescale. By applying a newly developed approach, the minimum R squared method (MRS), this study investigated the temporal variations of BC Eabs at both seasonal and diel scales in an urban environment. Factors affecting the temporal variability of BC Eabs were also analyzed, including variability in emission sources and various types of AAPs.
Guohua Zhang, Xiufeng Lian, Yuzhen Fu, Qinhao Lin, Lei Li, Wei Song, Zhanyong Wang, Mingjin Tang, Duohong Chen, Xinhui Bi, Xinming Wang, and Guoying Sheng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 1469–1481, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-1469-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-1469-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Seasonal atmospheric processing of NOCs was investigated using single-particle mass spectrometry in urban Guangzhou. The abundance of NOCs was found to be strongly enhanced by internal mixing with photochemically produced secondary oxidized organics. A multiple linear regression analysis and a positive matrix factorization analysis were performed to predict the relative abundance of NOCs. More than 70 % of observed NOCs could be well explained by oxidized organics and ammonium.
Qinhao Lin, Yuxiang Yang, Yuzhen Fu, Guohua Zhang, Feng Jiang, Long Peng, Xiufeng Lian, Fengxian Liu, Xinhui Bi, Lei Li, Duohong Chen, Mei Li, Jie Ou, Mingjin Tang, Xinming Wang, Ping'an Peng, and Guoying Sheng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 10469–10479, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-10469-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-10469-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The effects of the chemical composition and size of sea-salt-containing particles on their cloud condensation nuclei activity are incompletely understood. Our results showed that submicron sea-salt-containing particles can enrich in small cloud droplets, likely due to change in the chemical composition, while supermicron sea-salt-containing particles tended in the large cloud droplets less affected by chemical composition. This difference might further influence their atmospheric residence time.
Shaojie Song, Meng Gao, Weiqi Xu, Yele Sun, Douglas R. Worsnop, John T. Jayne, Yuzhong Zhang, Lei Zhu, Mei Li, Zhen Zhou, Chunlei Cheng, Yibing Lv, Ying Wang, Wei Peng, Xiaobin Xu, Nan Lin, Yuxuan Wang, Shuxiao Wang, J. William Munger, Daniel J. Jacob, and Michael B. McElroy
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1357–1371, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1357-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1357-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Chemistry responsible for sulfate production in northern China winter haze remains mysterious. We propose a potentially key pathway through the reaction of formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide that has not been accounted for in previous studies. The special atmospheric conditions favor the formation and existence of their complex, hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS).
Qinhao Lin, Xinhui Bi, Guohua Zhang, Yuxiang Yang, Long Peng, Xiufeng Lian, Yuzhen Fu, Mei Li, Duohong Chen, Mark Miller, Ji Ou, Mingjin Tang, Xinming Wang, Ping'an Peng, Guoying Sheng, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1195–1206, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1195-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1195-2019, 2019
Chunlei Cheng, Zuzhao Huang, Chak K. Chan, Yangxi Chu, Mei Li, Tao Zhang, Yubo Ou, Duohong Chen, Peng Cheng, Lei Li, Wei Gao, Zhengxu Huang, Bo Huang, Zhong Fu, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 9147–9159, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-9147-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-9147-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Particulate amines play an important role for the particle acidity and hygroscopicity. We found amines were internally mixed with sulfate and nitrate at a rural site in the PRD, China, suggesting the formation of aminium sulfate and nitrate salts. The ammonium-poor state of amine particles in summer was associated with the low emission sources of ammonia and a possible contribution of ammonium–amine exchange reactions. Amines could be a buffer for the particle acidity of ammonium-poor particles.
Guohua Zhang, Qinhao Lin, Long Peng, Xinhui Bi, Duohong Chen, Mei Li, Lei Li, Fred J. Brechtel, Jianxin Chen, Weijun Yan, Xinming Wang, Ping'an Peng, Guoying Sheng, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 14975–14985, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14975-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14975-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The mixing state of black carbon (BC)-containing particles and the mass scavenging efficiency of BC in cloud were investigated at a mountain site (1690 m a.s.l.) in southern China. The measured BC-containing particles were internally mixed extensively with sulfate, and thus the number fraction of scavenged BC-containing particles is close to that of all the measured particles. BC-containing particles with higher fractions of organics were scavenged relatively less.
Guohua Zhang, Qinhao Lin, Long Peng, Yuxiang Yang, Yuzhen Fu, Xinhui Bi, Mei Li, Duohong Chen, Jianxin Chen, Zhang Cai, Xinming Wang, Ping'an Peng, Guoying Sheng, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 13891–13901, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13891-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13891-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We first reported the size-resolved mixing state of oxalate in the cloud droplet residual, the cloud interstitial, and cloud-free particles by single particle mass spectrometry. Individual particle analysis provides unique insight into the formation and evolution of oxalate during in-cloud processing. The data show that in-cloud aqueous reactions dramatically improved the formation of oxalate from organic acids that were strongly associated with the aged biomass burning particles.
Chunlei Cheng, Mei Li, Chak K. Chan, Haijie Tong, Changhong Chen, Duohong Chen, Dui Wu, Lei Li, Cheng Wu, Peng Cheng, Wei Gao, Zhengxu Huang, Xue Li, Zhijuan Zhang, Zhong Fu, Yanru Bi, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9519–9533, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9519-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9519-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Oxalic acid is an abundant and ubiquitous constituent in secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and can be an effective tracer for the oxidative processes leading to the formation of SOA. In this work photochemical reactions have a significant contribution to oxalic acid formation in summer, while in winter the formation of oxalic acid is closely associated with the oxidation of organic precursors in the aqueous phase.
Qinhao Lin, Guohua Zhang, Long Peng, Xinhui Bi, Xinming Wang, Fred J. Brechtel, Mei Li, Duohong Chen, Ping'an Peng, Guoying Sheng, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 8473–8488, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8473-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8473-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
A ground-based counterflow virtual impactor coupled with a single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS) was used to assess the mixing state of individual cloud residue particles. Abundant aged EC cloud residues that internally mixed with inorganic salts were found in air masses from northerly polluted areas. K-rich cloud residues significantly increased within southwesterly air masses. This study increases our understanding of the impacts of aerosols on cloud droplets in southern China.
Guohua Zhang, Xinhui Bi, Ning Qiu, Bingxue Han, Qinhao Lin, Long Peng, Duohong Chen, Xinming Wang, Ping'an Peng, Guoying Sheng, and Zhen Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 2631–2640, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2631-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-2631-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This paper first presents an estimate of the real part of the refractive indices and effective densities of chemically segregated aerosols in China. The results indicate the presence of spherical or nearly spherical shape for the majority of particle types. While sharing refractive index in a narrow range (1.47–1.53), they exhibited a wide range of effective density (0.87–1.51). Detailed relationship between physical and chemical properties benefits future research on visibility and climate.
Related subject area
Subject: Aerosols | Technique: Laboratory Measurement | Topic: Instruments and Platforms
Determining optimal sampling conditions in the TSI Nanometer Aerosol Sampler 3089
A novel methodology for assessing the hygroscopicity of aerosol filter samples
Direct calibration using atmospheric particles and performance evaluation of Particle Size Magnifier (PSM) 2.0 for sub-10 nm particle measurements
Merging holography, fluorescence, and machine learning for in situ continuous characterization and classification of airborne microplastics
Rapid quantitative analysis of semi-volatile organic compounds in indoor surface film using direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry: a case study on phthalates
The UNAM-MARine Aerosol Tank (UNAM-MARAT): An Evaluation of the Ice-Nucleating Abilities of seawater from the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Pacific
Exploring non-soluble particles in hailstones through innovative confocal laser and scanning electron microscopy techniques
A comprehensive evaluation of enhanced temperature influence on gas and aerosol chemistry in the lamp-enclosed oxidation flow reactor (OFR) system
An oxidation flow reactor for simulating and accelerating secondary aerosol formation in aerosol liquid water and cloud droplets
Surface equilibrium vapor pressure of organic nanoparticles measured from the dynamic-aerosol-size electrical mobility spectrometer
Quality assurance and quality control of atmospheric organosulfates measured using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)
Micro-PINGUIN: microtiter-plate-based instrument for ice nucleation detection in gallium with an infrared camera
Characterization of the Vaporization Inlet for Aerosols (VIA) for online measurements of particulate highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs)
Characterization of the planar differential mobility analyzer (DMA P5): resolving power, transmission efficiency and its application to atmospheric relevant cluster measurements
Airborne bacteria viability and air quality: a protocol to quantitatively investigate the possible correlation by an atmospheric simulation chamber
The viscosity and surface tension of supercooled levitated droplets determined by excitation of shape oscillations
Acoustic levitation of pollen and visualisation of hygroscopic behaviour
Concept, absolute calibration, and validation of a new benchtop laser imaging polar nephelometer
A new smog chamber system for atmospheric multiphase chemistry study: design and characterization
Stability assessment of organic sulfur and organosulfate compounds in filter samples for quantification by Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy
Design and evaluation of a thermal precipitation aerosol electrometer (TPAE)
An automated online field instrument to quantify the oxidative potential of aerosol particles via ascorbic acid oxidation
Online measurement of highly oxygenated compounds from organic aerosol
The AERosol and TRACe gas Collector (AERTRACC): an online-measurement-controlled sampler for source-resolved emission analysis
Quantitative chemical assay of nanogram-level particulate matter using aerosol mass spectrometry: characterization of particles collected from uncrewed atmospheric measurement platforms
An optimised organic carbon ∕ elemental carbon (OC ∕ EC) fraction separation method for radiocarbon source apportionment applied to low-loaded Arctic aerosol filters
Investigating the dependence of mineral dust depolarization on complex refractive index and size with a laboratory polarimeter at 180.0° lidar backscattering angle
Evaluation of a low-cost dryer for a low-cost optical particle counter
Effects of temperature and salinity on bubble-bursting aerosol formation simulated with a bubble-generating chamber
A new hot-stage microscopy technique for measuring temperature-dependent viscosities of aerosol particles and its application to farnesene secondary organic aerosol
Characterization of a modified printed optical particle spectrometer for high-frequency and high-precision laboratory and field measurements
Design and fabrication of an electrostatic precipitator for infrared spectroscopy
Combined application of online FIGAERO-CIMS and offline LC-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) to characterize the chemical composition of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in smog chamber studies
High-frequency gaseous and particulate chemical characterization using extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (Dual-Phase-EESI-TOF)
An evaluation of the heat test for the ice-nucleating ability of minerals and biological material
Development, characterization, and application of an improved online reactive oxygen species analyzer based on the Monitor for AeRosols and Gases in ambient Air (MARGA)
Characterization of soot produced by the mini inverted soot generator with an atmospheric simulation chamber
LED-based solar simulator to study photochemistry over a wide temperature range in the large simulation chamber AIDA
Laboratory evaluation of the scattering matrix of ragweed, ash, birch and pine pollen towards pollen classification
Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity analysis of low-hygroscopicity aerosols using the aerodynamic aerosol classifier (AAC)
Characterisation of the Manchester Aerosol Chamber facility
A study on the fragmentation of sulfuric acid and dimethylamine clusters inside an atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight mass spectrometer
A semi-automated instrument for cellular oxidative potential evaluation (SCOPE) of water-soluble extracts of ambient particulate matter
Utilizing an electrical low-pressure impactor to indirectly probe water uptake via particle bounce measurements
Calibration and evaluation of a broad supersaturation scanning (BS2) cloud condensation nuclei counter for rapid measurement of particle hygroscopicity and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity
Correcting bias in log-linear instrument calibrations in the context of chemical ionization mass spectrometry
Effects of aerosol size and coating thickness on the molecular detection using extractive electrospray ionization
The nano-scanning electrical mobility spectrometer (nSEMS) and its application to size distribution measurements of 1.5–25 nm particles
A dual-droplet approach for measuring the hygroscopicity of aqueous aerosol
A method for liquid spectrophotometric measurement of total and water-soluble iron and copper in ambient aerosols
Behnaz Alinaghipour, Sadegh Niazi, Robert Groth, Branka Miljevic, and Zoran Ristovski
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 1063–1071, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-1063-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-1063-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Airborne particles are crucial in environmental and health studies, requiring precise sampling for accurate characterisation. Our study examines the optimal sampling time for the TSI Nanometer Aerosol Sampler 3089 at different input concentrations. Aerosols from low-, medium-, and high-concentration environments were sampled over 1, 3, and 6 h. A linear relationship was observed using a regression model between the deposition densities and the product of input concentration and sampling time.
Nagendra Raparthi, Anthony S. Wexler, and Ann M. Dillner
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 603–618, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-603-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-603-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Quantifying the composition-dependent hygroscopicity of aerosol particles is essential for advancing our understanding of atmospheric processes. Existing methods do not integrate chemical composition with hygroscopicity. We developed a novel method to assess the water uptake of particles sampled on aerosol filters at relative humidity levels up to 97 % and link it with their composition. This approach allows for the separation of total water uptake into inorganic and organic components.
Yiliang Liu, Arttu Yli-Kujala, Fabian Schmidt-Ott, Sebastian Holm, Lauri Ahonen, Tommy Chan, Joonas Enroth, Joonas Vanhanen, Runlong Cai, Tuukka Petäjä, Markku Kulmala, Yang Chen, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 431–442, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-431-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-431-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Accurate measurement of nanoparticles is crucial for understanding their impact on new particle formation and climate change. In this study, we calibrated the Particle Size Magnifier version 2.0 (PSM 2.0), using both laboratory-generated and atmospheric particles. Some differences were observed in the calibration results, with direct calibration using atmospheric particles enhancing measurement accuracy.
Nicholas D. Beres, Julia Burkart, Elias Graf, Yanick Zeder, Lea Ann Dailey, and Bernadett Weinzierl
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 6945–6964, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-6945-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-6945-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We tested a method to identify airborne microplastics (MPs), merging imaging, fluorescence, and machine learning of single particles. We examined whether combining imaging and fluorescence data enhances classification accuracy compared to using each method separately and tested these methods with other particle types. The tested MPs have distinct fluorescence, and a combined imaging and fluorescence method improves their detection, making meaningful progress in monitoring MPs in the atmosphere.
Ying Zhou, Longkun He, Jiang Tan, Jiang Zhou, and Yingjun Liu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 6415–6423, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-6415-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-6415-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We present a sensitive DART-MS/MS method for the fast and accurate quantification of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in organic films without the need for pre-treatment. This method offers greatly improved repeatability in the absence of internal standards. By utilizing MS/MS analysis, the separation of isomeric components within films becomes possible. These developments increase the feasibility of the DART-MS approach for studying the dynamics of SVOCs in indoor surface films.
María Fernanda Córdoba, Rachel Chang, Harry Alvarez-Ospina, Aramis Olivos, Graciela B. Raga, Daniel Rosas-Ramírez, Guadalupe Campos, Isabel Marquez, Telma Castro, and Luis A. Ladino
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-172, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-172, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for AMT
Short summary
Short summary
The present study shows the development of the UNAM-MARine Aerosol Tank (UNAM-MARAT), a device that simulates wave breaking to generate marine aerosol particles. The portable and automatic tank is able to generate particle concentrations as high as 2000 cm-3 covering a wide range of sizes, similar to those found in the ambient marine boundary layer. The Sea spray aerosol generated from three natural seawater samples was found to act as ice nucleating particles (INP) via immersion freezing.
Anthony C. Bernal Ayala, Angela K. Rowe, Lucia E. Arena, William O. Nachlas, and Maria L. Asar
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 5561–5579, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5561-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5561-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Hail is a challenging weather phenomenon to forecast due to an incomplete understanding of hailstone formation. Microscopy temperature limitations required previous studies to melt hail for analysis. This paper introduces a unique technique using a plastic cover to preserve particles in their location within the hailstone without melting. Therefore, CLSM and SEM–EDS microscopes can be used to determine individual particle sizes and their chemical composition related to hail-formation processes.
Tianle Pan, Andrew T. Lambe, Weiwei Hu, Yicong He, Minghao Hu, Huaishan Zhou, Xinming Wang, Qingqing Hu, Hui Chen, Yue Zhao, Yuanlong Huang, Doug R. Worsnop, Zhe Peng, Melissa A. Morris, Douglas A. Day, Pedro Campuzano-Jost, Jose-Luis Jimenez, and Shantanu H. Jathar
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4915–4939, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4915-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4915-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study systematically characterizes the temperature enhancement in the lamp-enclosed oxidation flow reactor (OFR). The enhancement varied multiple dimensional factors, emphasizing the complexity of temperature inside of OFR. The effects of temperature on the flow field and gas- or particle-phase reaction inside OFR were also evaluated with experiments and model simulations. Finally, multiple mitigation strategies were demonstrated to minimize this temperature increase.
Ningjin Xu, Chen Le, David R. Cocker, Kunpeng Chen, Ying-Hsuan Lin, and Don R. Collins
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4227–4243, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4227-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4227-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A flow-through reactor was developed that exposes known mixtures of gases or ambient air to very high concentrations of the oxidants that are responsible for much of the chemistry that takes place in the atmosphere. Like other reactors of its type, it is primarily used to study the formation of particulate matter from the oxidation of common gases. Unlike other reactors of its type, it can simulate the chemical reactions that occur in liquid water that is present in particles or cloud droplets.
Ella Häkkinen, Huan Yang, Runlong Cai, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4211–4225, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4211-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4211-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We report measurements of evaporation kinetics and surface equilibrium vapor pressures for various laboratory-generated organic nanoparticles using the dynamic-aerosol-size electrical mobility spectrometer (DEMS), a recent advancement in aerosol process characterization. Our findings align well with literature values, demonstrating DEMS's effectiveness. We suggest future improvements to DEMS and anticipate its potential for probing aerosol-related kinetic processes with unknown mechanisms.
Ping Liu, Xiang Ding, Bo-Xuan Li, Yu-Qing Zhang, Daniel J. Bryant, and Xin-Ming Wang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 3067–3079, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-3067-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-3067-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper, we further optimize the measurement of atmospheric organosulfates by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), offering an improved method for quantifying and speciating atmospheric organosulfates. These efforts will contribute to a deeper understanding of secondary organic aerosol precursors, formation mechanisms, and the contribution of organosulfate to atmospheric aerosols, ultimately guiding research in the field of air pollution prevention and control.
Corina Wieber, Mads Rosenhøj Jeppesen, Kai Finster, Claus Melvad, and Tina Šantl-Temkiv
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2707–2719, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2707-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2707-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a novel instrument to determine the quality and number of biological and non-biological particles, with respect to their ice-promoting capacity as a function of temperature. The measurement uncertainty was determined, and the instrument produced reliable results. Further, repeated measurements of the same suspension showed that the instrument had high reproducibility.
Jian Zhao, Valter Mickwitz, Yuanyuan Luo, Ella Häkkinen, Frans Graeffe, Jiangyi Zhang, Hilkka Timonen, Manjula Canagaratna, Jordan E. Krechmer, Qi Zhang, Markku Kulmala, Juha Kangasluoma, Douglas Worsnop, and Mikael Ehn
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 1527–1543, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1527-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1527-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Organic aerosol constitutes a significant portion of atmospheric fine particles but is less characterized due to its vast number of constituents. Recently, we developed a system for online measurements of particle-phase highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs). In this work, we systematically characterized the system, developed a new unit to enhance its performance, and demonstrated the essential role of thermograms in inferring volatility and quantifying HOMs in organic aerosols.
Zhengning Xu, Jian Gao, Zhuanghao Xu, Michel Attoui, Xiangyu Pei, Mario Amo-González, Kewei Zhang, and Zhibin Wang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 5995–6006, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5995-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5995-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Planar differential mobility analyzers (DMAs) have higher ion transmission efficiency and sizing resolution compared to cylindrical DMAs and are more suitable for use with mass spectrometers (MSs). Performance of the latest planar DMA (P5) was characterized. Sizing resolution and ion transmission efficiency were 5–16 times and ∼10 times higher than cylindrical DMAs. Sulfuric acid clusters were measured by DMA(P5)-MSs. This technique can be applied for natural products and biomolecule analysis.
Virginia Vernocchi, Elena Abd El, Marco Brunoldi, Silvia Giulia Danelli, Elena Gatta, Tommaso Isolabella, Federico Mazzei, Franco Parodi, Paolo Prati, and Dario Massabò
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 5479–5493, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5479-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5479-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Bioaerosol are airborne particles or droplets that contain living organisms or biological materials, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, pollen, or other organic matter. The study of the relationship between bioaerosol viability and air quality or meteorological conditions is an open field, and running experiments of the bioareosol viability in an atmospheric simulation chamber gives the possibility to set up well-defined conditions to evaluate the interaction between bioaerosol and pollutants.
Mohit Singh, Stephanie Helen Jones, Alexei Kiselev, Denis Duft, and Thomas Leisner
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 5205–5215, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5205-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5205-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We introduce a novel method for simultaneous measurement of the viscosity and surface tension of metastable liquids. Our approach is based on the phase analysis of excited shape oscillations in levitated droplets. It is applicable to a wide range of atmospheric conditions and can monitor changes in real time. The technique holds great promise for investigating the effect of atmospheric processing on the viscosity and surface tension of solution droplets in equilibrium with water vapour.
Sophie A. Mills, Adam Milsom, Christian Pfrang, A. Rob MacKenzie, and Francis D. Pope
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 4885–4898, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-4885-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-4885-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Pollen grains are important components of the atmosphere and have the potential to impact upon cloud processes via their ability to help in the formation of rain droplets. This study investigates the hygroscopicity of two different pollen species using an acoustic levitator. Pollen grains are levitated, and their response to changes in relative humidity is investigated. A key advantage of this method is that it is possible study pollen shape under varying environmental conditions.
Alireza Moallemi, Robin L. Modini, Benjamin T. Brem, Barbara Bertozzi, Philippe Giaccari, and Martin Gysel-Beer
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 3653–3678, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3653-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3653-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Polarimetric data, i.e., the angular and polarization dependence of light scattering by aerosols, contain ample information on optical and microphysical properties. Retrieval of these properties is a central approach in aerosol remote sensing. We present a description, calibration, validation, and a first application of a new benchtop polar nephelometer, which provides in situ polarimetric measurements of an aerosol. Such data facilitate agreement between retrieval results and independent data.
Taomou Zong, Zhijun Wu, Junrui Wang, Kai Bi, Wenxu Fang, Yanrong Yang, Xuena Yu, Zhier Bao, Xiangxinyue Meng, Yuheng Zhang, Song Guo, Yang Chen, Chunshan Liu, Yue Zhang, Shao-Meng Li, and Min Hu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 3679–3692, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3679-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3679-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study developed and characterized an indoor chamber system (AIR) to simulate atmospheric multiphase chemistry processes. The AIR chamber can accurately control temperature and relative humidity (RH) over a broad range and simulate diurnal variation of ambient atmospheric RH. The aerosol generation unit can generate organic-coating seed particles with different phase states. The AIR chamber demonstrates high-quality performance in simulating secondary aerosol formation.
Marife B. Anunciado, Miranda De Boskey, Laura Haines, Katarina Lindskog, Tracy Dombek, Satoshi Takahama, and Ann M. Dillner
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 3515–3529, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3515-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3515-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Organic sulfur compounds are used to identify sources and atmospheric processing of aerosol. Our paper evaluates the potential of using a non-destructive measurement technique to measure organic sulfur compounds in filter samples by assessing their chemical stability over time. Some were stable, but some evaporated or changed chemically. Future work includes evaluating the stability and potential interference of multiple organic sulfur compounds in laboratory mixtures and ambient aerosol.
Shipeng Kang, Tongzhu Yu, Yixin Yang, Jiguang Wang, Huaqiao Gui, Jianguo Liu, and Da-Ren Chen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 3245–3255, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3245-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3245-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A new aerosol electrometer, the thermal precipitation aerosol electrometer (TPAE), was designed for particles in sizes less than 300 nm, and its prototype performance was experimentally evaluated. The TPAE combines the thermal precipitator in the disk-to-disk configuration with a microcurrent measurement circuit board (i.e., pre-amplifier) for measuring the current carried by collected particles. Our performance study shows that the TPAE performance is consistent with the reference.
Battist Utinger, Steven John Campbell, Nicolas Bukowiecki, Alexandre Barth, Benjamin Gfeller, Ray Freshwater, Hans-Rudolf Rüegg, and Markus Kalberer
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 2641–2654, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-2641-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-2641-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Exposure to atmospheric aerosols can lead to adverse health effect, but particle components responsible for this are unknown. Redox-active compounds, some with very short lifetimes, are considered to be a toxic class of compounds in particles. We developed the first online field instrument to quantify short-lived and stable redox-active compounds with a physiological assay based on ascorbic acid and a high time resolution and detection limits to allow measurements at unpolluted locations.
Ella Häkkinen, Jian Zhao, Frans Graeffe, Nicolas Fauré, Jordan E. Krechmer, Douglas Worsnop, Hilkka Timonen, Mikael Ehn, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 1705–1721, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1705-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1705-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Highly oxygenated compounds contribute to the formation and growth of atmospheric organic aerosol and thus impact the global climate. Knowledge of their transformations and fate after condensing into the particle phase has been limited by the lack of suitable detection techniques. Here, we present an online method for measuring highly oxygenated compounds from organic aerosol. We evaluate the performance of the method and demonstrate that the method is applicable to different organic species.
Julia Pikmann, Lasse Moormann, Frank Drewnick, and Stephan Borrmann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 1323–1341, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1323-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1323-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Aerosols measured in complex environments are usually a mixture of emissions from different sources. To characterize sources individually, we developed a sampling system for particles and organic trace gases which is coupled to real-time data of physical and chemical aerosol properties, gas concentrations, and meteorological variables. Using suitable sampling conditions for individual aerosols which are compared with the real-time data the desired aerosols are sampled separately from each other.
Christopher R. Niedek, Fan Mei, Maria A. Zawadowicz, Zihua Zhu, Beat Schmid, and Qi Zhang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 955–968, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-955-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-955-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This novel micronebulization aerosol mass spectrometry (MS) technique requires a low sample volume (10 μL) and can quantify nanogram levels of organic and inorganic particulate matter (PM) components when used with 34SO4. This technique was successfully applied to PM samples collected from uncrewed atmospheric measurement platforms and provided chemical information that agrees well with real-time data from a co-located aerosol chemical speciation monitor and offline data from secondary ion MS.
Martin Rauber, Gary Salazar, Karl Espen Yttri, and Sönke Szidat
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 825–844, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-825-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-825-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Carbon-containing aerosols from ambient air are analysed for radioactive isotope radiocarbon to determine the contribution from fossil-fuel emissions. Light-absorbing soot-like aerosols are isolated by water extraction and thermal separation. This separation is affected by artefacts, for which we developed a new correction method. The investigation of aerosols from the Arctic shows that our approach works well for such samples, where many artefacts are expected.
Alain Miffre, Danaël Cholleton, Clément Noël, and Patrick Rairoux
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 403–417, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-403-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-403-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The depolarization ratio of hematite, silica, Arizona and Asian dust is evaluated in a lab with a π-polarimeter operating at lidar 180 ° and at (355, 532) nm wavelengths. The hematite depolarization equals (10±1) % at 355 nm for coarser particles, while that of silica is (33±1) %. This huge difference is explained by accounting for the high imaginary part of the hematite complex refractive index, thus revealing the key role played by light absorption in mineral dust lidar depolarization.
Miriam Chacón-Mateos, Bernd Laquai, Ulrich Vogt, and Cosima Stubenrauch
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 7395–7410, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-7395-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-7395-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The study evaluates a low-cost dryer to avoid the negative effect of hygroscopic growth and fog droplets in the particulate matter (PM) concentrations of sensors. The results show a reduction in the overestimation of the PM but also an underestimation compared to reference devices. Special care is needed when designing a dryer as high temperatures change the sampled air by evaporating the most volatile particulate species. Low-cost dryers are very promising for different sensor applications.
Svetlana Sofieva, Eija Asmi, Nina S. Atanasova, Aino E. Heikkinen, Emeline Vidal, Jonathan Duplissy, Martin Romantschuk, Rostislav Kouznetsov, Jaakko Kukkonen, Dennis H. Bamford, Antti-Pekka Hyvärinen, and Mikhail Sofiev
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 6201–6219, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-6201-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-6201-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A new bubble-generating glass chamber design with an extensive set of aerosol production experiments is presented to re-evaluate bubble-bursting-mediated aerosol production as a function of water parameters: bubbling air flow, water salinity, and temperature. Our main findings suggest modest dependence of aerosol production on the water salinity and a strong dependence on temperature below ~ 10 °C.
Kristian J. Kiland, Kevin L. Marroquin, Natalie R. Smith, Shaun Xu, Sergey A. Nizkorodov, and Allan K. Bertram
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 5545–5561, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5545-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5545-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Information on the viscosity of secondary organic aerosols is needed when making air quality, climate, and atmospheric chemistry predictions. Viscosity depends on temperature, so we developed a new method for measuring the temperature-dependent viscosity of small samples. As an application of the method, we measured the viscosity of farnesene secondary organic aerosol at different temperatures.
Sabin Kasparoglu, Mohammad Maksimul Islam, Nicholas Meskhidze, and Markus D. Petters
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 5007–5018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5007-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5007-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A modified version of a Handix Scientific printed optical particle spectrometer is introduced. The paper presents characterization experiments, including concentration, size, and time responses. Integration of an external multichannel analyzer card removes counting limitations of the original instrument. It is shown that the high-resolution light-scattering amplitude data can be used to sense particle-phase transitions.
Nikunj Dudani and Satoshi Takahama
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 4693–4707, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-4693-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-4693-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We designed and fabricated an aerosol collector with high collection efficiency that enables quantitative infrared spectroscopy analysis. By collecting particles on optical windows, typical substrate interferences are eliminated. New methods for fabricating aerosol devices using 3D printing with post-treatment to reduce the time and cost of prototyping are described.
Mao Du, Aristeidis Voliotis, Yunqi Shao, Yu Wang, Thomas J. Bannan, Kelly L. Pereira, Jacqueline F. Hamilton, Carl J. Percival, M. Rami Alfarra, and Gordon McFiggans
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 4385–4406, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-4385-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-4385-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric chemistry plays a key role in the understanding of aerosol formation and air pollution. We designed chamber experiments for the characterization of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from a biogenic precursor with inorganic seed. Our results highlight the advantages of a combination of online FIGAERO-CIMS and offline LC-Orbitrap MS analytical techniques to characterize the chemical composition of SOA in chamber studies.
Chuan Ping Lee, Mihnea Surdu, David M. Bell, Josef Dommen, Mao Xiao, Xueqin Zhou, Andrea Baccarini, Stamatios Giannoukos, Günther Wehrle, Pascal André Schneider, Andre S. H. Prevot, Jay G. Slowik, Houssni Lamkaddam, Dongyu Wang, Urs Baltensperger, and Imad El Haddad
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 3747–3760, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-3747-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-3747-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Real-time detection of both the gas and particle phase is needed to elucidate the sources and chemical reaction pathways of organic vapors and particulate matter. The Dual-EESI was developed to measure gas- and particle-phase species to provide new insights into aerosol sources or formation mechanisms. After characterizing the relative gas and particle response factors of EESI via organic aerosol uptake experiments, the Dual-EESI is more sensitive toward gas-phase analyes.
Martin I. Daily, Mark D. Tarn, Thomas F. Whale, and Benjamin J. Murray
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 2635–2665, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2635-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2635-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Mineral dust and particles of biological origin are important types of ice-nucleating particles (INPs) that can trigger ice formation of supercooled cloud droplets. Heat treatments are used to detect the presence of biological INPs in samples collected from the environment as the activity of mineral INPs is assumed unchanged, although not fully assessed. We show that the ice-nucleating ability of some minerals can change after heating and discuss how INP heat tests should be interpreted.
Jiyan Wu, Chi Yang, Chunyan Zhang, Fang Cao, Aiping Wu, and Yanlin Zhang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 2623–2633, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2623-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2623-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We introduced an online method to simultaneously determine the content of inorganic salt ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PM2.5 hour by hour. We verified the accuracy and precision of the instrument. And we got the daily changes in ROS and the main sources that affect ROS. This breakthrough enables the quantitative assessment of atmospheric particulate matter ROS at the diurnal scale, providing an effective tool to study sources and environmental impacts of ROS.
Virginia Vernocchi, Marco Brunoldi, Silvia G. Danelli, Franco Parodi, Paolo Prati, and Dario Massabò
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 2159–2175, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2159-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2159-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The performance of a mini inverted soot generator was investigated at a simulation chamber facility by studying the soot generated by ethylene and propane combustion, together with the number, size, optical properties, and EC / OC concentrations. Mass absorption coefficients and Ångström absorption exponents are compatible with the literature, with some differences. The characterization of MISG soot particles is fundamental to design and perform experiments in atmospheric simulation chambers.
Magdalena Vallon, Linyu Gao, Feng Jiang, Bianca Krumm, Jens Nadolny, Junwei Song, Thomas Leisner, and Harald Saathoff
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 1795–1810, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1795-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1795-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A LED-based light source has been constructed for the AIDA simulation chamber at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. It allows aerosol formation and ageing studies under atmospherically relevant illumination intensities and spectral characteristics at temperatures from –90 °C to 30 °C with the possibility of changing the photon flux and irradiation spectrum at any point. The first results of photolysis experiments with 2,3-pentanedione, iron oxalate and a brown carbon component are shown.
Danaël Cholleton, Émilie Bialic, Antoine Dumas, Pascal Kaluzny, Patrick Rairoux, and Alain Miffre
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 1021–1032, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1021-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1021-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
While pollen impacts public health and the Earth’s climate, the identification of each pollen taxon remains challenging. In this context, a laboratory evaluation of the polarimetric light-scattering characteristics of ragweed, ash, birch and pine pollen, when embedded in ambient air, is here performed at two wavelengths. Interestingly, the achieved precision of the retrieved scattering matrix elements allows unequivocal light scattering characteristics of each studied taxon to be identified.
Kanishk Gohil and Akua A. Asa-Awuku
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 1007–1019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1007-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1007-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This work develops a methodology and software to study and analyze the cloud-droplet-forming ability of aerosols with an aerodynamic aerosol classifier (AAC). This work quantifies the uncertainties in size-resolved measurements and subsequent uncertainties propagated to cloud droplet parameterizations. Lastly, we present the best practices for AAC cloud droplet measurement.
Yunqi Shao, Yu Wang, Mao Du, Aristeidis Voliotis, M. Rami Alfarra, Simon P. O'Meara, S. Fiona Turner, and Gordon McFiggans
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 539–559, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-539-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-539-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A comprehensive description and characterisation of the Manchester Aerosol Chamber (MAC) was conducted. The MAC has good temperature and relative humidity homogeneity, fast mixing times, and comparable losses of gases and particles with other chambers. The MAC's bespoke control system allows improved duty cycles and repeatable experiments. Moreover, the effect of contamination on performance was also investigated. It is highly recommended to regularly track the chamber's performance.
Dina Alfaouri, Monica Passananti, Tommaso Zanca, Lauri Ahonen, Juha Kangasluoma, Jakub Kubečka, Nanna Myllys, and Hanna Vehkamäki
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 11–19, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-11-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-11-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
To study what is happening in the atmosphere, it is important to be able to measure the molecules and clusters present in it. In our work, we studied an artifact that happens inside a mass spectrometer, in particular the fragmentation of clusters. We were able to quantify the fragmentation and retrieve the correct concentration and composition of the clusters using our dual (experimental and theoretical) approach.
Sudheer Salana, Yixiang Wang, Joseph V. Puthussery, and Vishal Verma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 7579–7593, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7579-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7579-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM) is an important indicator of PM toxicity. However, no automated instrument has ever been developed to provide a rapid high-throughput analysis of cell-based OP measurements. Here, we developed a semi-automated instrument, the first of its kind, for measuring oxidative potential using rat alveolar cells. We also developed a dataset on the intrinsic cellular OP of several compounds commonly known to be present in ambient PM.
Kevin B. Fischer and Giuseppe A. Petrucci
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 7565–7577, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7565-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7565-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The viscosity of organic particles in atmospheric aerosol is sometimes correlated to bounce factor. It is generally accepted that more viscous particles will be more likely to bounce following acceleration toward and impaction on a surface. We demonstrate that use of multi-stage low-pressure impactors for this purpose may result in measurement artifacts that depend on chemical composition, particle size, and changing relative humidity. A hypothesis for the observed effect is presented.
Najin Kim, Yafang Cheng, Nan Ma, Mira L. Pöhlker, Thomas Klimach, Thomas F. Mentel, Ovid O. Krüger, Ulrich Pöschl, and Hang Su
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 6991–7005, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-6991-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-6991-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
A broad supersaturation scanning CCN (BS2-CCN) system, in which particles are exposed to a range of supersaturation simultaneously, can measure a broad range of CCN activity distribution with a high time resolution. We describe how the BS2-CCN system can be effectively calibrated and which factors can affect the calibration curve. Intercomparison experiments between typical DMA-CCN and BS2-CCN measurements to evaluate the BS2-CCN system showed high correlation and good agreement.
Chenyang Bi, Jordan E. Krechmer, Manjula R. Canagaratna, and Gabriel Isaacman-VanWertz
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 6551–6560, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-6551-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-6551-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Calibration techniques have been recently developed to log-linearly correlate analyte sensitivity with CIMS operating conditions particularly for compounds without authentic standards. In this work, we examine the previously ignored bias in the log-linear-based calibration method and estimate an average bias of 30 %, with 1 order of magnitude for less sensitive compounds in some circumstances. A step-by-step guide was provided to reduce and even remove the bias.
Chuan Ping Lee, Mihnea Surdu, David M. Bell, Houssni Lamkaddam, Mingyi Wang, Farnoush Ataei, Victoria Hofbauer, Brandon Lopez, Neil M. Donahue, Josef Dommen, Andre S. H. Prevot, Jay G. Slowik, Dongyu Wang, Urs Baltensperger, and Imad El Haddad
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 5913–5923, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-5913-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-5913-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI-MS) has been deployed for high throughput online detection of particles with minimal fragmentation. Our study elucidates the extraction mechanism between the particles and electrospray (ES) droplets of different properties. The results show that the extraction rate is likely affected by the coagulation rate between the particles and ES droplets. Once coagulated, the particles undergo complete extraction within the ES droplet.
Weimeng Kong, Stavros Amanatidis, Huajun Mai, Changhyuk Kim, Benjamin C. Schulze, Yuanlong Huang, Gregory S. Lewis, Susanne V. Hering, John H. Seinfeld, and Richard C. Flagan
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 5429–5445, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-5429-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-5429-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We present the design, modeling, and experimental characterization of the nano-scanning electrical mobility spectrometer (nSEMS), a recently developed instrument that probes particle physical properties in the 1.5–25 nm range. The nSEMS has proven to be extremely powerful in examining atmospheric nucleation and the subsequent growth of nanoparticles in the CERN CLOUD experiment, which provides a valuable asset to study atmospheric nanoparticles and to evaluate their impact on climate.
Jack M. Choczynski, Ravleen Kaur Kohli, Craig S. Sheldon, Chelsea L. Price, and James F. Davies
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 5001–5013, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-5001-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-5001-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Relative humidity (RH) and hygroscopicity play an important role in regulating the physical, chemical, and optical properties of aerosol. In this work, we develop a new method to characterize hygroscopicity using particle levitation. We levitate two droplets with an electrodynamic balance and measure their size with light-scattering methods using one droplet as a probe of the RH. We demonstrate highly accurate and precise measurements of the RH and hygroscopic growth of a range of samples.
Yuhan Yang, Dong Gao, and Rodney J. Weber
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 4707–4719, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-4707-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-4707-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Iron and copper are commonly found in ambient aerosols and have been linked to adverse health effects. We describe a relatively simple benchtop instrument that can be used to quantify these metals in aqueous solutions and verify the method by comparison with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The approach is based on forming light-absorbing metal–ligand complexes that can be measured with high sensitivity utilizing a long-path liquid waveguide capillary cell.
Cited articles
Cahill, J. F., Darlington, T. K., Wang, X., Mayer, J., Spencer, M. T., Holecek, J. C., Reed, B. E., and Prather, K. A.: Development of a High-Pressure Aerodynamic Lens for Focusing Large Particles (4–10 µm) into the Aerosol Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 48, 948–956, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2014.947400, 2014.
Cahill, J. F., Fei, H., Cohen, S. M., and Prather, K. A.: Characterization of core-shell MOF particles by depth profiling experiments using on-line single particle mass spectrometry, Analyst, 140, 1510–1515, https://doi.org/10.1039/c4an01913j, 2015.
Chen, S.-C., Tsai, C.-J., Wu, C.-H., Pui, D. Y. H., Onischuk, A. A., and Karasev, V. V.: Particle loss in a critical orifice, J. Aerosol Sci., 38, 935–949, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaerosci.2007.06.010, 2007.
Chen, Y., Kozlovskiy, V., Du, X., Lv, J., Nikiforov, S., Yu, J., Kolosov, A., Gao, W., Zhou, Z., Huang, Z., and Li, L.: Increase of the particle hit rate in a laser single-particle mass spectrometer by pulse delayed extraction technology, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 941–949, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-941-2020, 2020.
Chudinov, A., Li, L., Zhou, Z., Huang, Z., Gao, W., Yu, J., Nikiforov, S., Pikhtelev, A., Bukharina, A., and Kozlovskiy, V.: Improvement of peaks identification and dynamic range for bi-polar Single Particle Mass Spectrometer, Int. J. Mass Spectrom., 436, 7–17, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijms.2018.11.013, 2019.
Clemen, H.-C., Schneider, J., Klimach, T., Helleis, F., Köllner, F., Hünig, A., Rubach, F., Mertes, S., Wex, H., Stratmann, F., Welti, A., Kohl, R., Frank, F., and Borrmann, S.: Optimizing the detection, ablation, and ion extraction efficiency of a single-particle laser ablation mass spectrometer for application in environments with low aerosol particle concentrations, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 5923–5953, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-5923-2020, 2020.
Czerwieniec, G. A., Russell, S. C., Lebrilla, C. B., Coffee, K. R., Riot, V., Steele, P. T., Frank, M., and Gard, E. E.: Improved sensitivity and mass range in time-of-flight bioaerosol mass spectrometry using an electrostatic ion guide, J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom., 16, 1866–1875, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasms.2005.06.013, 2005.
Gemayel, R., Hellebust, S., Temime-Roussel, B., Hayeck, N., Van Elteren, J. T., Wortham, H., and Gligorovski, S.: The performance and the characterization of laser ablation aerosol particle time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LAAP-ToF-MS), Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 1947–1959, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-1947-2016, 2016.
He, Y., Gu, Z., Lu, W., Zhang, L., Zhang, D., Okuda, T., and Yu, C. W.: Charging states on atmospheric aerosol particles affected by meteorological conditions, Particuology, 52, 1–9, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2019.12.007, 2020.
Hwang, T.-H., Kim, S.-H., Kim, S. H., and Lee, D.: Reducing particle loss in a critical orifice and an aerodynamic lens for focusing aerosol particles in a wide size range of 30 nm–10 µm, J. Mech. Sci. Technol., 29, 317–323, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-014-1238-4, 2015.
Jost, H.-J., Drdla, K., Stohl, A., Pfister, L., Loewenstein, M., Lopez, J. P., Hudson, P. K., Murphy, D. M., Cziczo, D. J., Fromm, M., Bui, T. P., Dean-Day, J., Gerbig, C., Mahoney, M. J., Richard, E. C., Spichtinger, N., Pittman, J. V., Weinstock, E. M., Wilson, J. C., and Xueref, I.: In-situ observations of mid-latitude forest fire plumes deep in the stratosphere, Geophys. Res. Lett., 31, L11101, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003gl019253, 2004.
Kinsel, G. R. and Johnston, M. V.: Post source pulse focusing: a simple method to achieve improved resolution in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer, Int. J. Mass Spectrom., 91, 157–176, https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-1176(89)83006-x, 1989.
Li, L., Huang, Z., Dong, J., Li, M., Gao, W., Nian, H., Fu, Z., Zhang, G., Bi, X., Cheng, P., and Zhou, Z.: Real time bipolar time-of-flight mass spectrometer for analyzing single aerosol particles, Int. J. Mass Spectrom., 303, 118–124, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijms.2011.01.017, 2011.
Li, L., Liu, L., Xu, L., Li, M., Li, X., Gao, W., Huang, Z., and Cheng, P.: Improvement in the Mass Resolution of Single Particle Mass Spectrometry Using Delayed Ion Extraction, J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom., 29, 2105–2109, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13361-018-2037-4, 2018.
Liu, P., Ziemann, P. J., Kittelson, D. B., and McMurry, P. H.: Generating Particle Beams of Controlled Dimensions and Divergence: I. Theory of Particle Motion in Aerodynamic Lenses and Nozzle Expansions, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 22, 293–313, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786829408959748, 1995.
Liu, Z., Lu, X., Feng, J., Fan, Q., Zhang, Y., and Yang, X.: Influence of Ship Emissions on Urban Air Quality: A Comprehensive Study Using Highly Time-Resolved Online Measurements and Numerical Simulation in Shanghai, Environ. Sci. Technol., 51, 202–211, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b03834, 2017.
Marsden, N. A., Flynn, M. J., Allan, J. D., and Coe, H.: Online differentiation of mineral phase in aerosol particles by ion formation mechanism using a LAAP-TOF single-particle mass spectrometer, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 195–213, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-195-2018, 2018.
McNeill, V. F.: Atmospheric Aerosols: Clouds, Chemistry, and Climate, Annu. Rev. Chem. Biomol. Eng., 8, 427–444, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-060816-101538, 2017.
Murphy, D. M.: The design of single particle laser mass spectrometers, Mass Spectrom. Rev., 26, 150–165, https://doi.org/10.1002/mas.20113, 2007.
Murphy, D. M., Cziczo, D. J., Froyd, K. D., Hudson, P. K., Matthew, B. M., Middlebrook, A. M., Peltier, R. E., Sullivan, A., Thomson, D. S., and Weber, R. J.: Single-particle mass spectrometry of tropospheric aerosol particles, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 111, D23S32, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006jd007340, 2006.
Noble, C. A. and Prather, K. A.: Real-time single particle mass spectrometry: a historical review of a quarter century of the chemical analysis of aerosols, Mass Spectrom. Rev., 19, 248–274, https://doi.org/10.1002/1098-2787(200007)19:4<248::AID-MAS3>3.0.CO;2-I, 2000.
Peng, L., Li, L., Zhang, G., Du, X., Wang, X., Peng, P., Sheng, G., and Bi, X.: Technical note: Measurement of chemically resolved volume equivalent diameter and effective density of particles by AAC-SPAMS, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 5605–5613, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-5605-2021, 2021.
Pöschl, U.: Atmospheric aerosols: composition, transformation, climate and health effects, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., 44, 7520–7540, https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.200501122, 2005.
Pratt, K. A. and Prather, K. A.: Mass spectrometry of atmospheric aerosols–recent developments and applications. Part II: On-line mass spectrometry techniques, Mass Spectrom. Rev., 31, 17–48, https://doi.org/10.1002/mas.20330, 2012.
Pratt, K. A., Mayer, J. E., Holecek, J. C., Moffet, R. C., Sanchez, R. O., Rebotier, T. P., Furutani, H., Gonin, M., Fuhrer, K., Su, Y., Guazzotti, S., and Prather, K. A.: Development and characterization of an aircraft aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer, Anal. Chem., 81, 1792–1800, https://doi.org/10.1021/ac801942r, 2009.
Reinard, M. S. and Johnston, M. V.: Ion formation mechanism in laser desorption ionization of individual nanoparticles, J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom., 19, 389–399, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasms.2007.11.017, 2008.
Schmidt, S., Schneider, J., Klimach, T., Mertes, S., Schenk, L. P., Kupiszewski, P., Curtius, J., and Borrmann, S.: Online single particle analysis of ice particle residuals from mountain-top mixed-phase clouds using laboratory derived particle type assignment, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 575–594, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-575-2017, 2017.
Silva, P. J. and Prather, K. A.: Interpretation of mass spectra from organic compounds in aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry, Anal. Chem., 72, 3553–3562, https://doi.org/10.1021/ac9910132, 2000.
Snyder, D. C., Schauer, J. J., Gross, D. S., and Turner, J. R.: Estimating the contribution of point sources to atmospheric metals using single-particle mass spectrometry, Atmos. Environ., 43, 4033–4042, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2009.05.011, 2009.
Souto-Oliveira, C. E., Babinski, M., Araujo, D. F., and Andrade, M. F.: Multi-isotopic fingerprints (Pb, Zn, Cu) applied for urban aerosol source apportionment and discrimination, Sci. Total Environ., 626, 1350–1366, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.192, 2018.
Steele, P. T., Srivastava, A., Pitesky, M. E., Fergenson, D. P., Tobias, H. J., Gard, E. E., and Frank, M.: Desorption/ionization fluence thresholds and improved mass spectral consistency measured using a flattop laser profile in the bioaerosol mass spectrometry of single Bacillus endospores, Anal. Chem., 77, 7448–7454, https://doi.org/10.1021/ac051329b, 2005.
Su, B., Zhang, G., Zhuo, Z., Xie, Q., Du, X., Fu, Y., Wu, S., Huang, F., Bi, X., Li, X., Li, L., and Zhou, Z.: Different characteristics of individual particles from light-duty diesel vehicle at the launching and idling state by AAC-SPAMS, J. Hazard. Mater., 418, 126304, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126304, 2021a.
Su, B., Zhuo, Z., Fu, Y., Sun, W., Chen, Y., Du, X., Yang, Y., Wu, S., Xie, Q., Huang, F., Chen, D., Li, L., Zhang, G., Bi, X., and Zhou, Z.: Individual particle investigation on the chloride depletion of inland transported sea spray aerosols during East Asian summer monsoon, Sci. Total Environ., 765, 144290, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144290, 2021b.
Su, Y., Wei, G., Wang, W., Xi, R., Wang, X., Xu, J., and Li, Z.: Analytical performance of single particle aerosol mass spectrometer for accurate sizing and isotopic analysis of individual particles, Atmos. Environ., 303, 119759, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2023.119759, 2023.
Sun, Z., Duan, F., He, K., Du, J., and Zhu, L.: Sulfate-nitrate-ammonium as double salts in PM2.5: Direct observations and implications for haze events, Sci. Total Environ., 647, 204–209, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.107, 2019.
Tan, P. V., Malpica, O., Evans, G. J., Owega, S., and Fila, M. S.: Chemically-assigned classification of aerosol mass spectra, J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom., 13, 826–838, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1044-0305(02)00379-3, 2002.
Tavakoli, F. and Olfert, J. S.: Determination of particle mass, effective density, mass–mobility exponent, and dynamic shape factor using an aerodynamic aerosol classifier and a differential mobility analyzer in tandem, J. Aerosol Sci., 75, 35–42, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaerosci.2014.04.010, 2014.
Thomson, D. S., Middlebrook, A. M., and Murphy, D. M.: Thresholds for Laser-Induced Ion Formation from Aerosols in a Vacuum Using Ultraviolet and Vacuum-Ultraviolet Laser Wavelengths, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 26, 544–559, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786829708965452, 1997.
Vera, C. C., Trimborn, A., Hinz, K. P., and Spengler, B.: Initial velocity distributions of ions generated by in-flight laser desorption/ionization of individual polystyrene latex microparticles as studied by the delayed ion extraction method, Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom., 19, 133–146, https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.1753, 2005.
Wang, X. and McMurry, P. H.: A Design Tool for Aerodynamic Lens Systems, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 40, 320–334, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786820600615063, 2006.
Wang, X., Kruis, F. E., and McMurry, P. H.: Aerodynamic Focusing of Nanoparticles: I. Guidelines for Designing Aerodynamic Lenses for Nanoparticles, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 39, 611–623, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786820500181901, 2005.
Wenzel, R. J. and Prather, K. A.: Improvements in ion signal reproducibility obtained using a homogeneous laser beam for on-line laser desorption/ionization of single particles, Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom., 18, 1525–1533, https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.1509, 2004.
Zawadowicz, M. A., Abdelmonem, A., Mohr, C., Saathoff, H., Froyd, K. D., Murphy, D. M., Leisner, T., and Cziczo, D. J.: Single-Particle Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Utilizing a Femtosecond Desorption and Ionization Laser, Anal. Chem., 87, 12221–12229, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5b03158, 2015.
Zawadowicz, M. A., Lance, S., Jayne, J. T., Croteau, P., Worsnop, D. R., Mahrt, F., Leisner, T., and Cziczo, D. J.: Quantifying and improving the optical performance of the laser ablation aerosol particle time of flight mass spectrometer (LAAPToF) instrument, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 54, 761–771, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2020.1724867, 2020.
Zelenyuk, A., Cai, Y., and Imre, D.: From Agglomerates of Spheres to Irregularly Shaped Particles: Determination of Dynamic Shape Factors from Measurements of Mobility and Vacuum Aerodynamic Diameters, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 40, 197–217, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786820500529406, 2006.
Zelenyuk, A., Yang, J., Song, C., Zaveri, R. A., and Imre, D.: “Depth-profiling” and quantitative characterization of the size, composition, shape, density, and morphology of fine particles with SPLAT, a single-particle mass spectrometer, J. Phys. Chem. A, 112, 669–677, https://doi.org/10.1021/jp077308y, 2008.
Zelenyuk, A., Yang, J., Choi, E., and Imre, D.: SPLAT II: An Aircraft Compatible, Ultra-Sensitive, High Precision Instrument for In-Situ Characterization of the Size and Composition of Fine and Ultrafine Particles, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 43, 411–424, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786820802709243, 2009.
Zelenyuk, A., Imre, D., Wilson, J., Zhang, Z., Wang, J., and Mueller, K.: Airborne single particle mass spectrometers (SPLAT II & miniSPLAT) and new software for data visualization and analysis in a geo-spatial context, J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom., 26, 257–270, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13361-014-1043-4, 2015.
Zhang, G., Han, B., Bi, X., Dai, S., Huang, W., Chen, D., Wang, X., Sheng, G., Fu, J., and Zhou, Z.: Characteristics of individual particles in the atmosphere of Guangzhou by single particle mass spectrometry, Atmos. Res., 153, 286–295, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2014.08.016, 2015.
Zhang, Y., Wang, X., Chen, H., Yang, X., Chen, J., and Allen, J. O.: Source apportionment of lead-containing aerosol particles in Shanghai using single particle mass spectrometry, Chemosphere, 74, 501–507, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.10.004, 2009.
Zhou, Y., Zhang, Y., Griffith, S. M., Wu, G., Li, L., Zhao, Y., Li, M., Zhou, Z., and Yu, J. Z.: Field Evidence of Fe-Mediated Photochemical Degradation of Oxalate and Subsequent Sulfate Formation Observed by Single Particle Mass Spectrometry, Environ. Sci. Technol., 54, 6562–6574, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c00443, 2020.
Zhu, S., Li, L., Wang, S., Li, M., Liu, Y., Lu, X., Chen, H., Wang, L., Chen, J., Zhou, Z., Yang, X., and Wang, X.: Development of an automatic linear calibration method for high-resolution single-particle mass spectrometry: improved chemical species identification for atmospheric aerosols, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 4111–4121, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4111-2020, 2020.
Zhuo, Z., Su, B., Xie, Q., Li, L., Huang, Z., Zhou, Z., Mai, Z., and Tan, G.: Improved Aerodynamic Particle Concentrator for Single Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometry:A Simulation and Characterization Study, Chinese Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, 41, 443–449, https://doi.org/10.13922/j.cnki.cjvst.202008026, 2021.
Short summary
Currently, the limitations of single-particle mass spectrometry detection capabilities render it not yet well suited for analyzing complex aerosol components in low-concentration environments. In this study, a new high-performance single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (HP-SPAMS) is developed to enhance instrument performance regarding the number of detected particles, transmission efficiency, resolution, and sensitivity, which will help in aerosol science.
Currently, the limitations of single-particle mass spectrometry detection capabilities render it...
