Long-chain alkanes in the atmosphere: A review

J Environ Sci (China). 2022 Apr:114:37-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jes.2021.07.021. Epub 2022 Feb 22.

Abstract

As a representative species of intermediate volatile organic compounds (IVOCs), long-chain alkanes are considered to be important precursors of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) in the atmosphere. This work reviews the previous studies on long-chain alkanes in the atmosphere: (1) the detection methods and filed observations of long-chain alkanes in both gas and particle phases are summarized briefly; (2) the laboratory studies of long chain alkanes are reviewed, the kinetic data, reaction mechanism, SOA yields, and physicochemical properties of SOA are included in detail; (3) the research progress related to model simulations of long-chain alkanes are also discussed. In addition, based on available research results, several perspective contents are proposed that can be used as a guideline for future research plans.

Keywords: Detection methods; Field observation; Laboratory study; Long-chain alkanes; Model simulation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols / chemistry
  • Air Pollutants* / analysis
  • Alkanes
  • Atmosphere / chemistry
  • Kinetics
  • Volatile Organic Compounds* / chemistry

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Air Pollutants
  • Alkanes
  • Volatile Organic Compounds