Adsorption isotherms of acetone on ice between 193 and 213 K

Abstract

The adsorption isotherms of acetone on ice were measured at 193, 203 and 213 K using a volumetric method with mass spectrometric detection. Henry's law applies for values of the acetone partial pressure, Pacetone, lower than 10−3 Pa. Where Henry's law applies, the number of acetone molecules adsorbed per cm2 of ice, is: nads = 90.53 × Pacetone × exp (6610.2/T), with Pacetone in Pa and T in K. The measured enthalpy of adsorption of acetone on ice is ΔHads = −55±7 kJ/mol. Acetone values previously measured in Arctic snow are too high to be due to adsorbed acetone. Acetone was then probably dissolved in ice or in organic aerosols contained in snow. Adsorption of acetone in the snowpack or on ice crystals in cirrus clouds is insufficient to affect Pacetone above the snow or in the clouds.