Articles | Volume 26, issue 9
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-6083-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-6083-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
06 May 2026
Research article |
| 06 May 2026
| 06 May 2026
Thin organic films unexpectedly enhance alcohol uptake on soot analogs: critical implications for aerosol aging
Xiangrui Kong
Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Atmospheric Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
Yongjian Lian
Tianjin Key Laboratory of Urban Transport Emission Research & State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
Shuai Jiang
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Tianjin Key Laboratory of Urban Transport Emission Research & State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
Jan B. C. Pettersson
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Atmospheric Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41390, Sweden
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Short summary
This study examines how organic films on soot particles influence how alcohol vapors are taken up and released. Laboratory measurements and computer simulations show that very thin organic coatings unexpectedly trap alcohols by forming stable surface layers, while thicker coatings favor faster release. The results reveal that particle surface structure strongly controls pollutant aging in the atmosphere, with important implications for air quality, cloud formation, and climate.
This study examines how organic films on soot particles influence how alcohol vapors are taken...
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