Unraveling the Formation of Nitrogen-Containing Secondary Organic Aerosols
Wang, X., et al. “Evidence for High Molecular Weight Nitrogen-Containing Organic Salts in Urban Aerosols," Environmental Science and Technology, 2010, 44(12):4441–4446.  This paper describes the first-ever field measurement of high molecular weight nitrogen-containing organics, using a single-particle time-of-flight mass spectrometer.  The authors propose a chemical pathway for the formation of these high molecular weight nitrogen-containing aerosols that is different from the well-established oxidation reactions currently used in atmospheric models.  The proposed reactions may be a major pathway for secondary organic aerosol formation in urban atmospheres.  The National Science Foundation of China and EPRI supported this research.  For more information, contact Eladio Knipping, (202) 293-6343, eknippin@epri.com.