Exploration of heterogeneous chemistry in model atmospheric particles using extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis

As models of the composition and heterogeneous chemical reactions of the troposphere undergo refinement, novel application of state-of-the-art analytical techniques will be necessary to propound realistic characterizations of mineral dust chemistry. In this study, strontium carbonate particles treated with gaseous nitric acid and nitrogen dioxide were examined with X-ray absorption fine structure analysis (EXAFS). The X-ray spectra of carbonate and nitrate standards were fitted to ab initio calculations, which were used to determine the structure and consistency of strontium nitrate formed on strontium carbonate. By examining differences in mean square radial displacement and lattice spacing values obtained for bulk Sr(NO3)2 as compared to Sr(NO3)2 formed on SrCO3, EXAFS proves effective as a tool for investigating the local structure and composition of heterogeneous aerosol particles. The implications of findings on reacted strontium carbonate for atmospheric models of calcium carbonate aerosol are discussed.