Molecular clusters are stepping stones on the way to forming climatically-relevant particles from trace vapors in the atmosphere, and also present opportunities to study structural motifs likely to be present at the surface of larger particles. We will discuss recent results on both fronts. We find that hydrogen, halogen, and covalent bonds compete to stabilize clusters of iodic acid, a potentiall particle forming vapor in coastal and polar atmospheres, resulting in the formation of larger iodine oxides such as I3O8-. We also track specific structural motifs of ammonium bisulfate clusters, prototypical particle precursors, from the few-molecule level to dry particles of hundreds of nanometers. We find that this structural motif is particularly prone to hydration in wet clusters and, likely, particles.

Cluster studies of atmospheric new particles and persistent motifs in larger aerosol

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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