Characterization of Aerosol Surface Instruments in Transition Regime

The primary purpose of this study is to measure the size- and composition-dependent responses of aerosol surface instruments designed to measure surface area related properties. Measurements were conducted in the range of 30–150 nm of mobility equivalent diameter, D_p. The responses of a LQ1-DC (a diffusion charger manufactured by Matter Engineering AG) and an EAD (a diffusion charger manufactured by TSI) to singlets (NaCl) particles are proportional to D_p ^1.36 and D_p ^1.13, respectively. The response of LQ1-DC agrees with Fuchs surface area, which is proportional to D_p ^1.39 within 2.4% error. The response of the EAD is almost proportional to diameter, D_p. A PAS2000CE (Photoelectric Aerosol Sensor manufactured by EcoChem) gave both size and composition-dependent responses. For diesel particles produced at high engine loads, the response was nearly proportional to Fuchs surface area. However, at lighter engine loads, the response dropped sharply with decreasing D_p. Light engine loads are associated with high fractions of volatile particles that may suppress the photoemission response. The secondary purpose of this study is to investigate the difference in charging rate between singlets (NaCl particles) and agglomerates (diesel particles) by using diffusion chargers. Agglomerates (diesel particles at engine load 75%) acquire more charge than singlets (NaCl particles) by 15 and 17% for LQ1-DC and EAD, respectively.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Michael R. Zachariah for useful comments. We gratefully acknowledge TSI, Matter Engineering AG, and EcoChem for the instruments. HJ is indebted to Dr. George Biskos for his comments. This work was partially funded by the CRC E-43 program. Their support is gratefully acknowledged.