Uptake coefficient of charged aerosols - Implications for atmospheric chemistry

Gas uptake onto liquid particles is influenced by the electrical charge on the particle. This charge rearranges the spatial distribution of the dissolved reactant ions, modifying the solute-solvent reaction at the surface and for some distance into the liquid. This results in a modification of the uptake coefficient. A general expression, applicable to laboratory and atmospheric conditions, is presented. The change in the uptake coefficient is proportional to particle charge and the square of the Debye length within the liquid. It is inversely proportional to the square of the particle radius.