A review of atmospheric individual particle analyses: Methodologies and applications in environmental research

Aerosol ultra-fine and nano-particles are playing essential roles in the evolution of Earth environment because their deep connections to chemical conversions solar radiation energy transfer atmosphere, have also become an urgent public concern recent years due adverse health effects. Electron microscopes, as major tools being able accurately identify physical characteristics individual particles micron submicron size, been widely used aerosol studies, although some barriers remain for low efficiency high cost. In this work, current understandings on characteristics, mixing state heterogeneous reactions particles, mainly obtained with electron reviewed. First, techniques particle analyses briefly summarized advantages disadvantages discussed. Then, morphology composition atmospheric types these how information was sources introduced. The effects environment, climate, human health, global geochemical cycles discussed based data from analyses. Finally, challenges faced studies prospected.