Application and Progress of Single Particle Aerosol Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry in Fine Particulate Matter Research

The idea of single particle aerosol mass spectrometry was first proposed in the 1970s and then developed quickly in recent two decades. Because it can simultaneously provide much information including particle size distribution, composition of multiple chemical species and mixing state for each single particle with high-time resolution, single particle aerosol mass spectrometry has been widely applied in the area of environmental monitoring and fine particulate matter research. This review aims to (1) provide an introduction of the development history and progress of single particle aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry, (2) summarize its principle, methods for data analysis, output of results and its applications in environmental measurement and research using two major commercialized instruments (ATOFMS and SPAMS), and (3) provide suggestions for future research.

By analyzing particles in high-time resolution, single particle aerosol mass spectrometry can provide physical and chemical properties for every particle, i.e. size and mass spectrum. Through specific softwares and clustering methods, particles can be classified into several types by the similarities of their spectra. The information mentioned above can be used to study the sources, mixing state and aging process of particles.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide