Quantification of water uptake by soot particles

Quantification of atmospheric processes including the water uptake by soot particles of various origin, emitted from different sources, requires identification of hydrophobic and hydrophilic soot. Water uptake measurements are performed on well-characterized laboratory soots available for atmospheric studies. Comparative analysis of water adsorption isotherms on soots of various compositions allows us to suggest a concept of quantification. Systematic analysis demonstrates two mechanisms of water/soot interaction, namely, bulk dissolution into soot-water-soluble coverage ( absorption mechanism) and water molecule adsorption on surface active sites ( adsorption mechanism). The formation of water film extended over the surface is suggested as a quantification measure which separates hygroscopic from non-hygroscopic soot. Water uptake on hygroscopic soot takes place by the absorption mechanism: it significantly exceeds the formation of many surface layers. If soot particles are made mostly from elemental carbon and/or are covered by a water-insoluble organic layer, they are classified as non-hygroscopic. Low water adsorption on some active sites following cluster formation is a typical mechanism of water interaction with hydrophobic soot. If a water film extended over the surface is formed due to the cluster confluence it is suggested that soot is hydrophilic. A few classical models are applied for parameterization of water interactions on hydrophilic and hydrophobic soots.