Computer-controlled scanning electron microscope: Methodologies and application scenarios in atmospheric particle...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Atmospheric Science

Background:

• Understanding atmospheric particle physicochemical properties is crucial for effective air pollution control.
• Individual particle analysis is key to refined source apportionment.
• Computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) has emerged as a powerful tool for this analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review CCSEM methodologies for individual atmospheric particle analysis.
• To introduce the principles, characteristics, and development of CCSEM.
• To explore CCSEM applications in air quality, health, and climate assessments.

Main Methods:

• Summarization of CCSEM-based individual particle analysis methodologies.
• Introduction to the fundamental principles and technological advancements of CCSEM.
• Review of CCSEM's application scope in atmospheric particle research.

Main Results:

• CCSEM significantly improves the efficiency of individual particle analysis.
• CCSEM demonstrates broad applicability in air quality and health impact assessments.
• The technology holds promise for refined particle source apportionment and database creation.

Conclusions:

• CCSEM offers a new era for atmospheric particle research, enhancing analysis efficiency.
• Further development of CCSEM methodologies, including standardization and quantitative source apportionment, is essential.
• CCSEM is vital for establishing particle source spectrum databases and advancing pollution control strategies.