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Heating-Induced Transformations of Atmospheric Particles: Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy Study
Daniel P Veghte1, Swarup China1, Johannes Weis2,3
1William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory , Pacific Northwest National Laboratory , Richland , Washington 99354 , United States.
Analytical Chemistry
|July 17, 2018
Summary
Environmental transmission electron microscopy reveals how atmospheric particle properties change with temperature. Viscous particles resist volume loss during heating, unlike liquid or low-viscosity particles, offering new insights into aerosol behavior.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Atmospheric particles influence climate and air quality.
- Understanding particle transformations under varying temperatures is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temperature-dependent changes in size, morphology, and composition of individual atmospheric particles.
- To develop and validate a new analytical method for tracking particle behavior at elevated temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM) coupled with heating devices (furnace and MEMS heater).
- Temperature calibration using NaCl, glucose, ammonium sulfate, tin, and Suwanee River Fulvic Acid.
- Chemical analysis using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and near-edge fine-structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS).
Main Results:
- Particle volatilization above 300 °C was accompanied by charring.
- Distinct particle categories exhibited different volatilization responses.
- More viscous particles retained a greater volume fraction upon heating compared to less viscous or liquid particles.
Conclusions:
- The study presents a novel analytical approach for measuring the volume fraction of individual atmospheric particles at elevated temperatures.
- Particle viscosity significantly impacts their thermal behavior and volume loss.
- Findings contribute to a better understanding of aerosol processing in the atmosphere.
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