Thermal/optical carbon analyses of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) samples are performed on quartz-fiber filter substrates for aerosol characterization and source apportionment. The analysis applies thermal protocols under inert and oxidative atmospheres to characterize organic and elemental carbon (i.e., OC and EC). The analysis typically use attenuation from reflectance and/or transmittance of 633 nm laser as optical correction of charring to quantify OC and EC. A new thermal/optical analyzer is being developed with multiwavelength capability that retains the 633 nm optical correction, while simultaneously measuring reflectance and transmittance from 400-650 nm. Optical properties of the particulate deposit and changes of spectra profile during charring were applied to investigate behavior of different source types. The analyzer is also equipped with mass spectrometric detection to monitor elemental C, H, N, and S composition of the gas that evolves during analysis to further understand the elemental abundances as a function of thermal fractions.

Multiwavelength reflectance and transmittance measurements by thermal/optical analysis of particulate matter on quartz-fiber filters

245th National Meeting (2013)

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