Formation of secondary organic aerosols from anthropogenic precursors in laboratory studies

Abstract

Aerosols produced from the oxidation of volatile/semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs/SVOCs), known as secondary organic aerosol (SOA), account for a significant fraction of atmospheric airborne particles. This paper reviews the current understanding of SOA formation from gas-phase oxidation with a focus on anthropogenic precursors and their reaction products from atmospheric simulation chamber studies. The review summarises the major reaction products derived from main groups of SOA precursors (e.g., alkanes, aromatics), SOA yields and the factors controlling SOA formation. We highlight that lab-derived SOA yield depends strongly upon, not only the concentrations of SOA precursors and oxidants but also simulation conditions.