Probing the Morphology and Diffusivity of Mixed SOA/Squalane Particles Using Size-resolved Composition and Single-particle Measurements.

Abstract:

We present an analysis of the formation and evaporation of mixed-particles comprised of squalane and SOA. First, we use a two-population smog chamber experiment to test the phase-behavior between isotopically-labeled squalane (D62-squalane) and SOA (from α-pinene + O3). Next, we present mixed-particle experiments where one particle type (squalane or SOA) was prepared first to serve as surface area for condensation of the other material, forming the mixed particles. The mixed particles were then subjected to a heating ramp from 22 to 44 ◦C in the chamber. From these experiments, we were able to determine that: 1) squalane and SOA phase separate; 2) the vast majority of squalane is able to evaporate from the mixed particles on the same timescale regardless of the order of preparation; 3) almost all of the SOA mass is comprised of material less volatile than squalane; 4) AMS collection efficiency in these mixed-particle systems varies widely but systematically the course of these experiments where particle phase is dynamic, and can be parameterized as a function of the mass fraction of squalane; and 5) the evaporation profile of squalane can be used to estimate the diffusion coefficient (Dorg) of squalane through SOA.