Volatility and Yield of Glycolaldehyde SOA Formed through Aqueous Photochemistry and Droplet Evaporation

Abstract

Aqueous hydroxyl radical (∼10−12 M) oxidation of glycolaldehyde (1 mM), followed by droplet evaporation, forms secondary organic aerosol (SOA) that exhibits an effective liquid vapor pressure and enthalpy of vaporization of ∼10−7 atm and ∼70 kJ/mol, respectively, similar to the mix of organic acids identified in reaction samples. Salts of these acids have vapor pressures about three orders of magnitude lower (e.g., ammonium succinate ∼10−11 atm), suggesting that the gas–particle partitioning behavior of glycolaldehyde SOA depends strongly on whether products are present in the atmosphere as acids or salts. Several reaction samples were used to simulate cloud droplet evaporation using a vibrating orifice aerosol generator. Samples were also analyzed by ion chromatography (IC), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), IC-ESI-MS, and for total carbon. Glycolaldehyde SOA mass yields were 50–120%, somewhat higher than yields reported previously (40–60%). Possible reasons are discussed: (1) formation of oligomers from droplet evaporation, (2) inclusion of unquantified products formed by aqueous photooxidation, (3) differences in gas–particle partitioning, and (4) water retention in dried particles. These and similar results help to explain the enrichment of organic acids in particulate organic matter above clouds compared with those found below clouds, as observed previously in aircraft campaigns. Copyright 2012 American Association for Aerosol Research