Nitrate ions (NO32-) are among the most abundant ions in the aqueous phase of atmospheric aerosols. Despite their importance, an understanding of NO32- adsorption at air-aqueous interfaces remains somewhat limited. One of the factors that could play a critical role in the surface propensity of the NO32- ion is the identity of the counter cation. Currently, there are no studies revealing the interfacial effects of different valency cations when paired with nitrate. Nevertheless, it is generally accepted that the extent of NO32- ion adsorption over bulk solvation is mainly determined by the balance between ion-ion and ion-solvent interactions. In the present work, the effect of mono-, di- and trivalent cations on NO32- ions adsorption to the air-aqueous interface is investigated by means of vibrational sum-frequency-generation (VSFG) spectroscopy. The influence of cation size and surface charge density is indirectly determined by the impact of NO32- ions adsorption on interfacial water organization.

Cation effects on nitrate ions adsorption at air-aqueous interfaces: Application to atmospheric aerosols

244th National Meeting (2012)

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