Black carbon (BC) particles are released into the atmosphere by combustion processes (e.g. burning wood), leading to poor air quality and unknown effects on climate. These particles are of concern due to their small size and heterogeneity caused by emissions from various sources and ignition processes, which complicates the study of their environmental impact. In addition, previous research has shown that BC contributes to droplet formation in clouds and can form cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), or small particles that water vapors condense on. Although BC particles are modeled to be hydrophobic and insoluble, the impact of hydrophilic functional groups (e.g. -COOH) on the surface has not been widely studied. In this study, the surface chemistry of BC particles was modified using different oxidation methods to impart hydrophilic functional groups. The surface chemistry of the particles was examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), while the comparison of the particle size in solution and the particle size when aerosolized was determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning mobility particle sizing (SMPS), respectively. Additionally, the role of surface functionalities on the particles in relation to the hygroscopicity parameter (k) for BC was investigated. Overall, this study provides insight on how the heterogeneity of BC is important to understand because the slightest surface chemistry modification can have a measurable impact on climate effects.

Impact of surface oxidation on black carbon aerosols

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.