Automated Chemical Analysis of Internally Mixed Aerosol Particles Using X-ray Spectromicroscopy at the Carbon K-Edge

Journal Article · Thu Jan 20 00:00:00 EST 2011 · Analytical Chemistry

OSTI ID:1004695

Gilles, Mary K; Moffet, R C; Henn, T; Laskin, A

We have developed an automated data analysis method for atmospheric particles using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy coupled with near edge X-ray fine structure spectroscopy (STXM/NEXAFS). This method is applied to complex internally mixed submicrometer particles containing organic and inorganic material. Several algorithms were developed to exploit NEXAFS spectral features in the energy range from 278 to 320 eV for quantitative mapping of the spatial distribution of elemental carbon, organic carbon, potassium, and noncarbonaceous elements in particles of mixed composition. This energy range encompasses the carbon K-edge and potassium L2 and L3 edges. STXM/NEXAFS maps of different chemical components were complemented with a subsequent analysis using elemental maps obtained by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX). We demonstrate the application of the automated mapping algorithms for data analysis and the statistical classification of particles.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: Advanced Light Source Division; Chemical Sciences Division; Directorate
• DOE Contract Number: DE-AC02-05CH11231
• OSTI ID: 1004695
• Report Number(s): LBNL-4220E; TRN: US201104%%1032
• Journal Information: Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 82, Issue 19; Related Information: Journal Publication Date: Oct 1 2010
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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AEROSOLS
ALGORITHMS
CARBON
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CLASSIFICATION
DATA ANALYSIS
ENERGY RANGE
FINE STRUCTURE
MICROSCOPY
POTASSIUM
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
SPECTROSCOPY
RAMAN MICROSPECTROSCOPIC ANALYSIS
MEXICO-CITY
ATMOSPHERIC PARTICLES
MASS-SPECTROMETRY
SINGLE
SOOT
TRANSMISSION
MICROANALYSIS