We performed a large number of novel spectroscopy and imaging experiments to characterize the surfaces, internal structure, and interactions with surrounding gas-phases, for a suite of aerosol and atmospheric model systems, made possible by using ultra-brilliant synchrotron radiation. Other cutting-edge molecular-level techniques were also successfully applied. A total of 44 weeks of beamtime were carried out by the project team at synchrotron facilities world-wide. We developed new machine learning algorithms and other methods to analyze these first-of-a-kind experimental data and carried out molecular dynamics and quantum chemical simulations for new atmospheric aerosol components to support the interpretation.
We designed new aerosol experiments to determine the influence of unique surface properties on processes that are key to aerosol formation and their atmospheric and climate effects, including water uptake and cloud nucleation, condensation and evaporation, and aqueous and surface chemistry. We directly measured surface tension of microscopic aqueous surfactant droplets for the first time using a novel holographic optical tweezer setup at University of Bristol and used the state-of-the-art AIDA environmental chamber at Karlsruhe Institute for Technology with EUROCHAMP-2020 TNA. We developed a new monolayer surface model, based on the insights from surface-sensitive molecular-level experiments, together with a suite of supporting thermodynamic models, to accurately decouple the contributions from surface and interior to aerosol processes.
We implemented descriptions of surface effects in the box-model version and full ECHAM-HAM atmospheric chemistry-climate model and investigated their impacts on formation of aerosols and their climate effects on cloud, regional, and global scales.
For all systems and conditions investigated, we identified unique surface properties which are highly distinct from the interior (Objective I). In all cases, we found that these surface properties can significantly impact aerosol processes (Objective II) with atmospheric chemistry and climate effects on all scales. The fingerprints of surfaces are complex and seen by significant changes in the magnitudes, distributions, and sensitivities of aerosol effects in the atmosphere (Objective III).
Throughout the project, we have engaged a wide range of stakeholders. Team members have been invited to present results in international conferences, workshops, and research seminars in aerosol, atmospheric, and synchrotron science. We have contributed to the MAX IV 2023-2032 strategic plan and the white paper presenting the new Centre for Molecular Water Science coordinated by DESY. We have taken part in outreach initiatives to the general public, including TEDx talk “Small steps for us, a big leap for the planet”, graphic novel “Little Things”, podcast “Intronauts – Exploring brilliant science”, popular events, such as the Air Guitar World Championship and Polar Bear Pitching, and interviews in national and international media. We have also given presentations and participated in panel discussions addressing civil society and local, national, and EU policymakers.
