Molecular insights into the composition, sources, and aging of atmospheric brown carbon

The light-absorbing chemical components of atmospheric organic aerosols are commonly referred to as Brown Carbon (BrC), reflecting the characteristic yellowish to brown appearance of aerosol. BrC is a highly complex mixture of organic compounds with diverse compositions and variable optical properties of its individual chromophores. BrC significantly influences the radiative budget of the climate and contributes to adverse air pollution effects such as reduced visibility and the presence of inhalable pollutants and irritants. However, a fundamental understanding of the sources, formation, and transformation (aging effects) of BrC remains incomplete. This gap in knowledge necessitates advanced chemical…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: AGS-2039985, 2404150, CHE-2404150, 2039985
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy
• UD
  U.S. Department of Commerce
• EM
  Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
• NO
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

  Award: AC4 program
• DO
  Division of Chemistry

  Award: CHE-2404150
• BA
  Biological and Environmental Research
• CP
  Climate Program Office
• PN
  Pacific Northwest National Laboratory