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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
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Production and Measurement of Organic Particulate Matter in a Flow Tube Reactor
Published on: December 15, 2018
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Phase separation in organic aerosol
1Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. maf43@psu.edu.
Chemical Society Reviews
|November 15, 2017
Summary
Organic aerosol particles can separate into two liquid phases, a phenomenon impacting climate. This review covers studies on liquid-liquid phase separation in atmospheric aerosols and its climate implications.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric chemistry
- Aerosol science
- Biophysical chemistry
Background:
- Organic aerosol is a major atmospheric component influencing climate.
- Traditionally, organic aerosols were thought to undergo crystallization or water uptake.
- Recent research suggests liquid-liquid phase separation occurs in organic aerosols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on organic aerosol liquid-liquid phase separation.
- To discuss mechanisms, morphologies, and influencing factors.
- To explore implications for climate properties.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and theoretical studies.
- Analysis of characterization techniques for phase separation.
- Examination of climate modeling approaches.
Main Results:
- Organic aerosol liquid-liquid phase separation forms particles with distinct liquid phases.
- Studies have characterized systems, mechanisms, and morphologies.
- Inhibition of phase separation in nanoscale particles is observed.
- Climate implications are linked to aerosol optical and cloud-nucleating properties.
Conclusions:
- Liquid-liquid phase separation is a significant process in organic aerosols.
- Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for accurate climate modeling.
- Further research is needed on nanoscale effects and climate impacts.
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