Title
Role of sesquiterpenes in biogenic new particle formation
Author
Lubna Dada
Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute
Author
Mario Simon
Institute for Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main
... show all
Abstract
Biogenic vapors form new particles in the atmosphere, affecting global climate. The contributions of monoterpenes and isoprene to new particle formation (NPF) have been extensively studied. However, sesquiterpenes have received little attention despite a potentially important role due to their high molecular weight. Via chamber experiments performed under atmospheric conditions, we report biogenic NPF resulting from the oxidation of pure mixtures of β-caryophyllene, α-pinene, and isoprene, which produces oxygenated compounds over a wide range of volatilities. We find that a class of vapors termed ultralow-volatility organic compounds (ULVOCs) are highly efficient nucleators and quantitatively determine NPF efficiency. When compared with a mixture of isoprene and monoterpene alone, adding only 2% sesquiterpene increases the ULVOC yield and doubles the formation rate. Thus, sesquiterpene emissions need to be included in assessments of global aerosol concentrations in pristine climates where biogenic NPF is expected to be a major source of cloud condensation nuclei.
Object type
Language
English [eng]
Persistent identifier
https://phaidra.univie.ac.at/o:2082486
Appeared in
Title
Science Advances
Volume
9
Issue
36
ISSN
2375-2548
Issued
2023
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date issued
2023
Access rights
Rights statement
© 2023 The Authors, some rights reserved
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