Premium
XPS and EPMA study of size‐fractionated ambient aerosol particles collected in urban and industrial areas
Author(s) -
Toth J.,
Beszeda I.,
Cserhati Cs.,
Medve F.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
surface and interface analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1096-9918
pISSN - 0142-2421
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1096-9918(199712)25:13<970::aid-sia340>3.0.co;2-l
Subject(s) - x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , electron microprobe , aerosol , analytical chemistry (journal) , chemistry , chemical composition , particle size , soot , microanalysis , electron probe microanalysis , fraction (chemistry) , environmental chemistry , mineralogy , chemical engineering , chromatography , organic chemistry , engineering , combustion
Ambient aerosol particles were studied by XPS (ESCA) and electron probe microanalysis energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EPMA‐EDX) in a non‐destructive way. For sampling, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) samplers were used in Battelle‐type cascade impactors. Sampling locations and times were: Visonta (North Hungary), at a coal‐fired power plant at two sites, 23 September 1992; Debrecen city centre, in 3 h periods as a function of daytime, 11 November 1992. From XPS the chemical states of the compounds of the particles could be identified mainly as NH x , SO 4 2− , soot and SiO 2 . By XPS, correlation could be found between the nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) content of the particles of 0.5 and 1 μm size fractions. The concentration ratios of sulphur (S) distribution between the 0.5 and 1 μm particles showed higher S content in the smaller fraction. In Visonta these EDX S ratios were similar at both sites, while the XPS ratio was smaller far from the plume. In Debrecen the ratios were smaller than in Visonta with both methods. In Debrecen during the daytime periods the EDX ratios showed a maximum at the noon period, while the XPS ratios decreased. Surface enrichment of S was very changeable as a function of sampling places and time periods. The S enrichment factors changed from 1.5 to 5.5 in the 0.5 and 1 μm particle fractions. The EDX elemental (Al, Si, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn) concentrations of the particles were discussed as tracers of different sources of aerosols. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.