Trace gas adsorption thermodynamics at the air&minus;water interface: Implications in atmospheric chemistry

Valsaraj, Kalliat T.

doi:10.1351/PAC-CON-08-07-06

Pure Appl. Chem., 2009, Vol. 81, No. 10, pp. 1889-1901

http://dx.doi.org/10.1351/PAC-CON-08-07-06

Published online 2009-09-26

Trace gas adsorption thermodynamics at the air−water interface: Implications in atmospheric chemistry

Kalliat T. Valsaraj

Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA

Abstract: The thermodynamics of adsorption of gaseous organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on water films is reviewed and discussed. The various experimental methods available to determine the thermodynamic equilibrium constant and the structure–activity relationships to correlate and estimate the same are reviewed. The atmospheric implications of the adsorption and oxidation of PAHs at the air–water interface of thin films of water such as existing in fog droplets, ice films, and aerosols are also enumerated.