Characterization of a Herrmann-type high-resolution differential mobility analyzer. Issue 3 (3rd March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kangasluoma, J.; Attoui, M.; Korhonen, F.; Ahonen, L.; Siivola, E.; Petäjä, T.
• Is Part Of: Aerosol science and technology. Volume 50:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 229
• Publication Date: 2016-03-03
• Subjects: Jian Wang; Aerosols -- Periodicals; Aerosol Propellants -- Periodicals; Aerosols -- Periodicals; 660.294515
• DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2016.1142065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-6826

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Aerosol instrument characterization and verification for nanometer-sized particles requires well-established generation and classification instruments. A precise size selection of sub-3-nm charged aerosol particles requires a differential mobility analyzer (DMA), specially designed for the sub-3-nm size range. In this study, a Herrmann-type high-resolution DMA developed at Yale University was characterized in various operation conditions. A relation between sheath flow rate and tetraheptylammonium ion (C28 H60 N +, THA +, 1.47 nm, mobility equivalent diameter) was established. The maximum particle size that the DMA was able to classify was 2.9 nm with the highest sheath flow rate of 1427 liters per minute (Lpm), and 6.5 nm with the lowest stable sheath flow rate of 215 Lpm, restricted by the maximum and minimum flow rates provided by our blower. Resolution and transmission of DMA are reported for tetrapropylammonium (C12 H28 N +, TPA +, 1.16 nm), THA +, and THA2 Br + (1.78 nm) ions measured with two different central electrodes and five different sheath flow rates. The transmission varied between 0.01 and 0.22, and the resolution varied between 10.8 and 51.9, depending on the operation conditions. Copyright © 2016 American Association for Aerosol Research