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www.atmos-chem-phys-discuss.net/10/29051/2010/
doi:10.5194/acpd-10-29051-2010
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Atmospheric homogeneous nucleation of H2SO4 and H2O
Kent State University, Department of Chemistry, Kent, Ohio 44240, USA
Abstract. We report laboratory observations of H2SO4 and H2O homogeneous nucleation made under atmospherically relevant conditions ([H2SO4] of 106 – 107 cm−3 and 287 K). Our observations show that nucleation takes place at [H2SO4] of 106 – 107 cm−3, as observed in the atmosphere. The slope of nucleation rate (J) vs. [H2SO4] ranges between 4–6, consistent with thermodynamic predictions of neutral H2SO4 clusters, but is higher than those observed in the atmosphere. These results indicate that ternary aerosol precursors are needed to reduce the slope to 1–2 in the atmosphere. This study also discusses the effects of experimental parameters on laboratory observation results, in order to properly interpret the experimental data.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 1771 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 12 Comments) Final Revised Paper (ACP)
Notice on Discussion StatusCitation: Benson, D. R., Erupe, M. E., Yu, J. H., Markovich, A., and Lee, S.-H.: Atmospheric homogeneous nucleation of H2SO4 and H2O, Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., 10, 29051-29073, doi:10.5194/acpd-10-29051-2010, 2010. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
