Diamine‐sulfuric acid reactions are a potent source of new particle formation. Issue 2 (22nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jen, Coty N.; Bachman, Ryan; Zhao, Jun; McMurry, Peter H.; Hanson, David R.
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 43:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 867
• Page End: 873
• Publication Date: 2016-01-22
• Subjects: atmospheric nucleation -- diamines -- amines -- sulfuric acid -- flow reactor; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2015GL066958
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract: Atmospheric nucleation from sulfuric acid depends on the concentrations and the stabilizing effect of other trace gases, such as ammonia and amines. Diamines are an understudied class of atmospherically relevant compounds, and we examine how they affect sulfuric acid nucleation in both flow reactor experiments and the atmosphere. The number of particles produced from sulfuric acid and diamines in the flow reactor was equal to or greater than the number formed from monoamines, implying that diamines are more effective nucleating agents. Upper limits of diamine abundance were also monitored during three field campaigns: Lamont, OK (2013); Lewes, DE (2012); and Atlanta, GA (2009). Mixing ratios were measured as high as tens of parts per trillion by volume (GA and OK). Laboratory results suggest that diamines at these levels are important for atmospheric nucleation. Diamines likely participate in atmospheric nucleation and should be considered in nucleation measurements and models. Key Points: Diamines stabilize sulfuric acid clusters more than monoamines like DMA Reactions of sulfuric acid with diamines can produce more particles than with monoamines Diamines exist in significant concentrations in the atmosphere and likely contribute to nucleation