Atmospheric aerosols affect climate and the environment by scattering and adsorbing solar radiation and by acting as cloud and ice nuclei. One of the largest sources of atmospheric aerosols is the ocean, making it vital to understand the role that sea spray aerosol (SSA) particles have on the global radiation budget and climate. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful tool for studying individual submicron size aerosol particles because of its nanometer spatial resolution, highly sensitive force measuring capabilities and the ability to study individual particles at ambient (non-vacuum) conditions and controlled humidity. Here, we have developed AFM methodology to study water uptake and surface tension of individual submicron size particles and report findings on model chemical systems with various degree of complexity, as well as chemically complex nascent SSA particles.

Water uptake and surface tension of individual submicron size sea spray aerosol particles studied with atomic force microscopy

251st National Meeting (2016)

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