New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Formation of nanoparticles can now be studied molecule-by-molecule

Date:
February 22, 2013
Source:
Helsingin yliopisto (University of Helsinki)
Summary:
Atmospheric aerosol particles affect our climate by slowing down the global warming, research suggests. Scientists have succeeded in developing measurement techniques that allow detection of aerosol nucleation starting from the formation of clusters from vapor molecules, and the growth of these clusters into aerosol particles.
Share:
FULL STORY

Atmospheric aerosol particles affect our climate by slowing down the global warming. After years of studying the international research group led by Academy Professor Markku Kulmala from the University of Helsinki, Department of Physics, Finland has succeeded in developing measurement techniques that allow detection of aerosol nucleation starting from the formation of clusters from vapor molecules, and the growth of these clusters into aerosol particles.

The results are published in the journal Science on the 22th of February 2013.

The study combines the cycles of sulphur, nitrogen and carbon in the ecosystem, as it shows that the molecular clusters need sulphuric acid, amines and oxygenated organics for growth. When the clusters reach a size of 1.5-2 nm, their growth increases considerably. The measurements were conducted at the University of Helsinki SMEAR II (Station for Measuring Forest Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relations) measurement station in Hyytiälä, southern Finland, which is among the most comprehensive stations in the world for atmosphere and biosphere research.

During the last five years, the researchers at the University of Helsinki Physics Department have developed a Particle Size Magnifier (PSM), which is the first particle counter able to detect clusters and particles as small as 1 nm in diameter. The instrument is commercially available through the spin-off company Airmodus. The scientists have also put effort into developing mass spectrometric methods for measuring the composition of the recently born clusters. The results in this study would not have been achieved without this technical development.

Professor Kulmala predicted the existence of neutral molecular clusters already in the year 2000 and their growth mechanisms in 2004.

He says:-Years of systematical research are now bearing fruit. My theoretical predictions have been proven to reflect the reality.

He stresses that knowledge of the formation and growth mechanisms of nanoparticles is needed for understanding the interactions within the climate system. Assessing the global impact requires an extensive data bank and a world-wide observation network.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Helsingin yliopisto (University of Helsinki). Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. M. Kulmala, J. Kontkanen, H. Junninen, K. Lehtipalo, H. E. Manninen, T. Nieminen, T. Petaja, M. Sipila, S. Schobesberger, P. Rantala, A. Franchin, T. Jokinen, E. Jarvinen, M. Aijala, J. Kangasluoma, J. Hakala, P. P. Aalto, P. Paasonen, J. Mikkila, J. Vanhanen, J. Aalto, H. Hakola, U. Makkonen, T. Ruuskanen, R. L. Mauldin, J. Duplissy, H. Vehkamaki, J. Back, A. Kortelainen, I. Riipinen, T. Kurten, M. V. Johnston, J. N. Smith, M. Ehn, T. F. Mentel, K. E. J. Lehtinen, A. Laaksonen, V.-M. Kerminen, D. R. Worsnop. Direct Observations of Atmospheric Aerosol Nucleation. Science, 2013; 339 (6122): 943 DOI: 10.1126/science.1227385

Cite This Page:

Helsingin yliopisto (University of Helsinki). "Formation of nanoparticles can now be studied molecule-by-molecule." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 February 2013. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130222075732.htm>.
Helsingin yliopisto (University of Helsinki). (2013, February 22). Formation of nanoparticles can now be studied molecule-by-molecule. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130222075732.htm
Helsingin yliopisto (University of Helsinki). "Formation of nanoparticles can now be studied molecule-by-molecule." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130222075732.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES