The reaction probability of N2O5 with sulphuric acid aerosols at stratospheric temperatures and compositions

Abstract

We have measured the rate of reaction of N2O5 with H2O on monodisperse, submicrometer H2SO4 particles in a low‐temperature flow reactor. Measurements were carried out at temperatures between 225 K and 293 K on aerosol particles with sizes and compositions comparable to those found in the stratosphere. At 273 K, the reaction probability was found to be 0.103 ± 0.006, independent of H2SO4 composition from 64 to 81 wt %. At 230 K, the reaction probability increased from 0.077 for compositions near 60% H2S04 to 0.146 for compositions near 70% H2SO4. Intermediate conditions gave intermediate results except for low reaction probabilities of about 0.045 at 260 K on aerosols with about 78% H2SO4. The reaction probability did not depend on particle size. These results imply that the reaction occurs essentially at the surface of the particle. A simple model for this type of reaction that reproduces the general trends observed is presented. The presence of formaldehyde did not affect the reaction rate.