Real time in situ detection of organic nitrates in atmospheric aerosols.
A novel instrument is described that quantifies total particle-phase organic nitrates in real time with a detection limit of 0.11 microg m(-3) min(-1), 45 ppt min(-1) (-ONO(2)). Aerosol nitrates are separated from gas-phase nitrates with a short residence time activated carbon denuder. Detection of organic molecules containing -ONO(2) subunits is accomplished using thermal dissociation coupled to laser induced fluorescence detection of NO(2). This instrument is capable of high time resolution (seconds) measurements of particle-phase organic nitrates, without interference from inorganic nitrate. Here we use it to quantify organic nitrates in secondary organic aerosol generated from high-NO(x) photooxidation of limonene, alpha-pinene, Delta-3-carene, and tridecane. In these experiments the organic nitrate moiety is observed to be 6-15% of the total SOA mass.
Rollins
Andrew W
AW
Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.
Smith
Jared D
JD
Wilson
Kevin R
KR
Cohen
Ronald C
RC
D000336:Aerosols / Q000737:chemistry*; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*; D001272:Atmosphere; D009566:Nitrates / Q000737:chemistry*
D000336:Aerosols; D000393:Air Pollutants; D009566:Nitrates