scholarly journals Interaction of aerosol particles composed of protein and saltswith water vapor: hygroscopic growth and microstructural rearrangement

2004 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Mikhailov ◽  
S. Vlasenko ◽  
R. Niessner ◽  
U. Pöschl
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapor ◽  
Mass Fraction ◽  
Osmotic Coefficient ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Virial Equation ◽  
Inorganic Salts ◽  
Equivalent Diameter ◽  
Hygroscopic Growth ◽  
Kohler Theory

Abstract. The interaction of aerosol particles composed of the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the inorganic salts sodium chloride and ammonium nitrate with water vapor has been investigated by hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (H-TDMA) experiments complemented by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Köhler theory calculations (100-300nm particle size range, 298K, 960hPa). BSA was chosen as a well-defined model substance for proteins and other macromolecular compounds, which constitute a large fraction of the water-soluble organic component of air particulate matter. Pure BSA particles exhibited deliquescence and efflorescence transitions at 35% relative humidity () and a hygroscopic diameter increase by up to 10% at 95% in good agreement with model calculations based on a simple parameterisation of the osmotic coefficient. Pure NaCl particles were converted from near-cubic to near-spherical shape upon interaction with water vapor at relative humidities below the deliquescence threshold (partial surface dissolution and recrystallisation), and the diameters of pure NH4NO3 particles decreased by up to 10% due to chemical decomposition and evaporation. Mixed NaCl-BSA and NH4NO3-BSA particles interacting with water vapor exhibited mobility equivalent diameter reductions of up to 20%, depending on particle generation, conditioning, size, and chemical composition (BSA dry mass fraction 10-90%). These observations can be explained by formation of porous agglomerates (envelope void fractions up to 50%) due to ion-protein interactions and electric charge effects on the one hand, and by compaction of the agglomerate structure due to capillary condensation effects on the other. The size of NH4NO3-BSA particles was apparently also influenced by volatilisation of NH4NO3, but not as much as for pure salt particles, i.e. the protein inhibited the decomposition of NH4NO3 or the evaporation of the decomposition products NH3 and HNO3. The efflorescence threshold of NaCl-BSA particles decreased with increasing BSA dry mass fraction, i.e. the protein inhibited the formation of salt crystals and enhanced the stability of supersaturated solution droplets. The H-TDMA and TEM results indicate that the protein was enriched at the surface of the mixed particles and formed an envelope, which inhibits the access of water vapor to the particle core and leads to kinetic limitations of hygroscopic growth, phase transitions, and microstructural rearrangement processes. The Köhler theory calculations performed with different types of models demonstrate that the hygroscopic growth of particles composed of inorganic salts and proteins can be efficiently described with a simple volume additivity approach, provided that the correct dry solute mass equivalent diameter and composition are known. A parameterisation for the osmotic coefficient of macromolecular substances has been derived from an osmotic pressure virial equation. For its application only the density and molar mass of the substance have to be known or estimated, and it is fully compatible with traditional volume additivity models for salt mixtures.

scholarly journals Interaction of aerosol particles composed of protein and salts with water vapor: hygroscopic growth and microstructural rearrangement

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 4755-4832 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Mikhailov ◽  
S. Vlasenko ◽  
R. Niessner ◽  
U. Pöschl
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapor ◽  
Mass Fraction ◽  
Osmotic Coefficient ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Equivalent Diameter ◽  
Hygroscopic Growth ◽  
Air Particulate ◽  
Kohler Theory

Abstract. The interaction of aerosol particles in the 100–200 nm size range composed of the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the inorganic salts sodium chloride and ammonium nitrate with water vapor at ambient temperature and pressure (25°C, 1 atm) has been investigated by hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (H-TDMA) experiments complemented by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Köhler theory calculations. BSA was chosen as a well-defined model substance for proteins and other macromolecular compounds, which constitute a large fraction of the water-soluble organic component of air particulate matter. Pure BSA particles exhibited deliquescence and efflorescence transitions at ~35% relative humidity (RH) and a hygroscopic diameter increase by up to ~10% at 95% RH in good agreement with model calculations based on a simple parameterisation of the osmotic coefficient. Pure NaCl particles were converted from near-cubic to near-spherical or polyhedral shape upon interaction with water vapor at relative humidities below the deliquescence threshold (partial surface dissolution and recrystallisation), and the diameters of pure NH4NO3 particles decreased by up to 10% due to chemical decomposition and evaporation. Mixed NaCl-BSA and NH4NO3-BSA particles interacting with water vapor exhibited mobility equivalent diameter reductions of up to 20%, depending on particle generation, conditioning, size, and chemical composition (BSA dry mass fraction 10–90%). These observations can be explained by formation of porous agglomerates (envelope void fractions up to 50%) due to ion-protein interactions and electric charge effects on the one hand, and by compaction of the agglomerate structure due to capillary condensation effects on the other. The size of NH4NO3-BSA particles was apparently also influenced by volatilisation of NH4NO3, but not as much as for pure salt particles, i.e. the protein inhibited the decomposition of NH4NO3 or the evaporation of the decomposition products NH3 and HNO3. The efflorescence threshold of NaCl-BSA particles decreased with increasing BSA dry mass fraction, i.e. the protein inhibited the formation of salt crystals and enhanced the stability of supersaturated solution droplets. The H-TDMA and TEM results indicate that the protein was enriched at the surface of the mixed particles and formed an envelope, which inhibits the access of water vapor to the particle core and leads to kinetic limitations of hygroscopic growth, phase transitions, and microstructural rearrangement processes. Besides these surface and kinetic effects, proteins and comparable organic macromolecules may also influence the thermodynamic properties of the aqueous bulk solution (solubilities, vapor pressures, and chemical equilibria, e.g. for the decomposition and evaporation of NH4NO3. The observed effects should be taken into account in the analysis of data from laboratory experiments and field measurements and in the modelling of aerosol processes involving water vapor and particles with complex composition. They can strongly influence experimental results, and depending on ambient conditions they may also play a significant role in the atmosphere (deliquescence, efflorescence, and CCN activation of particles). In fact, irregular hygroscopic growth curves similar to the ones observed in this study have recently been reported from H-TDMA experiments with water-soluble organics extracted from real air particulate matter and with humic-like substances. The Köhler theory calculations performed with different models demonstrate that the hygroscopic growth of particles composed of inorganic salts and proteins can be efficiently described with a simple volume additivity approach, provided that the correct dry solute mass equivalent diameter and composition are known. A simple parameterisation of the osmotic coefficient has been derived from an osmotic pressure virial equation and appears to be well-suited for proteins and comparable substances. It is fully compatible with traditional volume additivity models for salt mixtures, and for its application only the density and molar mass of the substance have to be known or estimated.

scholarly journals Amorphous and crystalline aerosol particles interacting with water vapor: conceptual framework and experimental evidence for restructuring, phase transitions and kinetic limitations

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (24) ◽  
pp. 9491-9522 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Mikhailov ◽  
S. Vlasenko ◽  
S. T. Martin ◽  
T. Koop ◽  
U. Pöschl
Keyword(s):  
Phase Transitions ◽  
Water Vapor ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Atmospheric Aerosols ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Organic Substances ◽  
Hygroscopic Growth ◽  
Amorphous Phases ◽  
Semi Solid ◽  
Hydration And Dehydration

Abstract. Interactions with water are crucial for the properties, transformation and climate effects of atmospheric aerosols. Here we present a conceptual framework for the interaction of amorphous aerosol particles with water vapor, outlining characteristic features and differences in comparison to crystalline particles. We used a hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (H-TDMA) to characterize the hydration and dehydration of crystalline ammonium sulfate, amorphous oxalic acid and amorphous levoglucosan particles (diameter ~100 nm, relative humidity 5–95% at 298 K). The experimental data and accompanying Köhler model calculations provide new insights into particle microstructure, surface adsorption, bulk absorption, phase transitions and hygroscopic growth. The results of these and related investigations lead to the following conclusions: (1) Many organic substances, including carboxylic acids, carbohydrates and proteins, tend to form amorphous rather than crystalline phases upon drying of aqueous solution droplets. Depending on viscosity and microstructure, the amorphous phases can be classified as glasses, rubbers, gels or viscous liquids. (2) Amorphous organic substances tend to absorb water vapor and undergo gradual deliquescence and hygroscopic growth at lower relative humidity than their crystalline counterparts. (3) In the course of hydration and dehydration, certain organic substances can form rubber- or gel-like structures (supramolecular networks) and undergo transitions between swollen and collapsed network structures. (4) Organic gels or (semi-)solid amorphous shells (glassy, rubbery, ultra-viscous) with low molecular diffusivity can kinetically limit the uptake and release of water and may influence the hygroscopic growth and activation of aerosol particles as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN). Moreover, (semi-)solid amorphous phases may influence the uptake of gaseous photo-oxidants and the chemical transformation and aging of atmospheric aerosols. (5) The shape and porosity of amorphous and crystalline particles formed upon dehydration of aqueous solution droplets depend on chemical composition and drying conditions. The apparent volume void fractions of particles with highly porous structures can range up to ~50% or more (xerogels, aerogels). (6) For efficient description of water uptake and phase transitions of aerosol particles, we propose not to limit the terms deliquescence and efflorescence to equilibrium phase transitions of crystalline substances. Instead we propose generalized definitions according to which amorphous and crystalline components can undergo gradual or prompt, partial or full deliquescence or efflorescence. We suggest that (semi-)solid amorphous phases may be important not only in the upper atmosphere as suggested in recent studies of glass formation at low temperatures. Depending on relative humidity, (semi-)solid phases and moisture-induced glass transitions may also play a role in gas-particle interactions at ambient temperatures in the lower atmosphere.

scholarly journals Amorphous and crystalline aerosol particles interacting with water vapor – Part 1: Microstructure, phase transitions, hygroscopic growth and kinetic limitations

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 7333-7412 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Mikhailov ◽  
S. Vlasenko ◽  
S. T. Martin ◽  
T. Koop ◽  
U. Pöschl
Keyword(s):  
Aqueous Solution ◽  
Phase Transitions ◽  
Water Vapor ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Residual Water ◽  
Organic Substances ◽  
Hygroscopic Growth ◽  
Model Calculations ◽  
Void Fractions ◽  
Semi Solid

Abstract. Interactions with water are crucial for the properties, transformation and climate effects of atmospheric aerosols. Here we outline characteristic features and differences in the interaction of amorphous and crystalline aerosol particles with water vapor. Using a hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (H-TDMA), we performed hydration, dehydration and cyclic hydration&amp;dehydration experiments with aerosol particles composed of levoglucosan, oxalic acid and ammonium sulfate (diameters ~100–200 nm, relative uncertainties <0.4%, relative humidities <5% to 95% at 298 K). The measurements and accompanying Köhler model calculations provide new insights into particle microstructure, surface adsorption, bulk absorption, phase transitions and hygroscopic growth. The results of these and related investigations lead to the following main conclusions: 1. Many organic substances (including carboxylic acids, carbohydrates and proteins) tend to form amorphous rather than crystalline phases upon drying of aqueous solution droplets. Depending on viscosity and microstructure, the amorphous phases can be classified as glasses, rubbers, gels or viscous liquids. 2. Amorphous organic substances tend to absorb water vapor and undergo gradual deliquescence and hygroscopic growth at much lower relative humidity than their crystalline counterparts. 3. In the course of hydration and dehydration, certain organic substances can form rubber- or gel-like structures (supra-molecular networks) and undergo stepwise transitions between swollen and collapsed network structures. 4. Organic gels or (semi-)solid amorphous shells (glassy, rubbery, ultra-viscous) with low molecular diffusivity can kinetically limit the uptake and release of water by submicron aerosol particles on (multi-)second time scales, which may influence the hygroscopic growth and activation of aerosol particles as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN). 5. The shape and porosity of amorphous and crystalline particles formed upon dehydration of aqueous solution droplets depend on chemical composition and drying conditions. The apparent volume void fractions of particles with highly porous structures can range up to ~50% or more (xerogels, aerogels). Void fractions as well as residual water in dried aerosol particles that are not water-free (due to kinetic limitations of drying or stable hydrate formation) should be taken into account in Köhler model calculations of hygroscopic growth and CCN activation. 6. For efficient description of water uptake and phase transitions of amorphous and crystalline organic and inorganic aerosol particles and particle components, we propose not to limit the terms deliquescence and efflorescence to equilibrium phase transitions of crystalline substances interacting with water vapor. Instead we propose the following generalized definitions: Deliquescence is the transformation of a (semi-)solid substance into a liquid aqueous solution, whereby water is absorbed from the gas phase ("liquefaction upon humidification/hydration"). Efflorescence is the transformation of a substance from a liquid aqueous solution into a (semi-)solid phase, whereby water is evaporated ("solidification upon drying/dehydration"). According to these definitions, individual components as well as entire aerosol particles can undergo gradual or prompt, partial or full deliquescence or efflorescence.

Depression of freezing temperature of water and water solutions in porous materials

1989 ◽  
Vol 54 (10) ◽  
pp. 2644-2647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Schneider ◽  
Jiří Rathouský
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapor ◽  
Porous Materials ◽  
Inorganic Salt ◽  
Freezing Point ◽  
Freezing Temperature ◽  
Inorganic Salts ◽  
Freezing Point Depression ◽  
Salt Solutions ◽  
Water Solutions

In porous materials filled with water or water solutions of inorganic salts, water freezes at lower temperatures than under normal conditions; the reason is the decrease of water vapor tension above the convex meniscus of liquid in pores. The freezing point depression is not very significant in pores with radii from 0.05 μm to 10 μm (about 0.01-2.5 K). Only in smaller pores, especially when filled with inorganic salt solutions, this depression is important.

scholarly journals Microscopic Evidence for Phase Separation of Organic Species and Inorganic Salts in Fine Ambient Aerosol Particles

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 2234-2242
Author(s):  
Weijun Li ◽  
Lei Liu ◽  
Jian Zhang ◽  
Liang Xu ◽  
Yuanyuan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Inorganic Salts ◽  
Ambient Aerosol ◽  
Organic Species ◽  
Microscopic Evidence

scholarly journals Calibration of LACIS as a CCN detector and its use in measuring activation and hygroscopic growth of atmospheric aerosol particles

2006 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 4519-4527 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Wex ◽  
A. Kiselev ◽  
M. Ziese ◽  
F. Stratmann
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Wall Temperature ◽  
Atmospheric Aerosol ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Cloud Condensation Nuclei ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Urban Aerosol ◽  
Hygroscopic Growth ◽  
Atmospheric Aerosol Particles ◽  
Droplet Activation

Abstract. A calibration for LACIS (Leipzig Aerosol Cloud Interaction Simulator) for its use as a CCN (cloud condensation nuclei) detector has been developed. For this purpose, sodium chloride and ammonium sulfate particles of known sizes were generated and their grown sizes were detected at the LACIS outlet. From these signals, the effective critical super-saturation was derived as a function of the LACIS wall temperature. With this, LACIS is calibrated for its use as a CCN detector. The applicability of LACIS for measurements of the droplet activation, and also of the hygroscopic growth of atmospheric aerosol particles was tested. The activation of the urban aerosol particles used in the measurements was found to occur at a critical super-saturation of 0.46% for particles with a dry diameter of 75 nm, and at 0.42% for 85 nm, respectively. Hygroscopic growth was measured for atmospheric aerosol particles with dry diameters of 150, 300 and 350 nm at relative humidities of 98 and 99%, and it was found that the larger dry particles contained a larger soluble volume fraction of about 0.85, compared to about 0.6 for the 150 nm particles.

scholarly journals A novel tandem differential mobility analyzer with organic vapor treatment of aerosol particles

2001 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Joutsensaari ◽  
P. Vaattovaara ◽  
M. Vesterinen ◽  
K. Hämeri ◽  
A. Laaksonen
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapor ◽  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Citric Acid ◽  
Ammonium Sulfate ◽  
Adipic Acid ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Ethanol Vapor ◽  
Differential Mobility Analyzer ◽  
Differential Mobility ◽  
Organic Vapor

Abstract. A novel method to characterize the organic composition of aerosol particles has been developed. The method is based on organic vapor interaction with aerosol particles and it has been named an Organic Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (OTDMA). The OTDMA method has been tested for inorganic (sodium chloride and ammonium sulfate) and organic (citric acid and adipic acid) particles. Growth curves of the particles have been measured in ethanol vapor and as a comparison in water vapor as a function of saturation ratio. Measurements in water vapor show that sodium chloride and ammonium sulfate as well as citric acid particles grow at water saturation ratios (S) of 0.8 and above, whereas adipic acid particles do not grow at S <  0.96. For sodium chloride and ammonium sulfate particles, a deliquescence point is observed at S = 0.75 and S = 0.79, respectively. Citric acid particles grow monotonously with increasing saturation ratios already at low saturation ratios and no clear deliquescence point is found. For sodium chloride and ammonium sulfate particles, no growth can be seen in ethanol vapor at saturation ratios below 0.93. In contrast, for adipic acid particles, the deliquescence takes place at around S = 0.95 in the ethanol vapor. The recrystallization of adipic acid takes place at S < 0.4. Citric acid particles grow in ethanol vapor similarly as in water vapor; the particles grow monotonously with increasing saturation ratios and no stepwise deliquescence is observed. The results show that the working principles of the OTDMA are operational for single-component aerosols. Furthermore, the results indicate that the OTDMA method may prove useful in determining whether aerosol particles contain organic substances, especially if the OTDMA is operated in parallel with a hygroscopicity TDMA, as the growth of many substances is different in ethanol and water vapors.

scholarly journals Secondary aerosol formation promotes water uptake by organic-rich wildfire haze particles in Equatorial Asia

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Chen ◽  
Sri Hapsari Budisulistiorini ◽  
Takuma Miyakawa ◽  
Yuichi Komazaki ◽  
Mikinori Kuwata
Keyword(s):  
Water Uptake ◽  
Mass Fraction ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Submicron Particles ◽  
Chemical Information ◽  
Hygroscopic Growth ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Secondary Formation ◽  
Soluble Organic Fraction ◽  
Haze Episode

Abstract. Diameter growth factors (GF) of 100 nm haze particles at 85 % relative humidity and chemical characteristics were simultaneously monitored at Singapore in October 2015 during a pervasive wildfire haze episode, which was caused by peatland burning in Indonesia. Non-refractory submicron particles (NR-PM1) were dominated by organics (approximating 77.1 % in total mass), whereas sulfate was the most abundant inorganic constituent (11.7 % on average). A statistical analysis of the organic mass spectra showed that most of organics (36.0 % of NR-PM1 mass) were highly oxygenated. Diurnal variations of GF, number fraction of highly hygroscopic mode particles, mass fraction of sulfate, and mass fraction of oxygenated organics (OOA) synchronized well, peaking during daytime. The mean hygroscopicity parameter (κ) of haze particles was 0.189 ± 0.087, and mean κ values of organics were 0.157 ± 0.108 (κorg, bulk organics) and 0.287 ± 0.193 (κOOA, OOA), demonstrating the important roles of both sulfate and highly oxygenated organics in hygroscopic growth of wildfire haze particles. κorg was also affected by the water-soluble organic fraction to some extent. These results show the importance of secondary formation processes in promoting water uptake properties of wildfire haze particles, including both inorganic and organic species. Further detailed size-resolved as well as molecular level chemical information of organics will be necessary for more profound exploration of water uptake by wildfire haze particles in Equatorial Asia.

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