Effect of aluminium dust on secondary organic aerosol formation in m-xylene/NO x photo-oxidation

Abstract

As an important anthropogenic volatile organic compound (VOC), m-xylene has attracted numerous attentions due to its potential in secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. In this study, effects of aluminium dust seeds (boehmite and alumina) on SOA yield and aerosol size in m-xylene/NO x photo-oxidation were investigated in a 2 m3 smog chamber at 30°C and 50% relative humidity. Compared to the seed-free system, the presence of aluminium seeds resulted in an increase in the SOA yield, and also enhanced the O3 concentration in the chamber. The photolysis of O3 is a major source of OH radical, which is the most important oxidant of m-xylene. The increase in O3 concentration could result in the generation of more OH radicals, and finally contribute to the SOA formation. Seed particles influence the SOA size mainly by acting as condensation nuclei. Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were condensed onto these nuclei, resulting in the increase in SOA size. However, when aluminium seeds with high concentrations were introduced into the system, SVOCs that had been condensed onto each particle were dispersed by these seeds, leading to the reduction in aerosol size.