Global trends and European emissions of tetrafluoromethane (CF<sub>4</sub>), hexafluoroethane (C<sub>2</sub>F<sub>6</sub>) and octafluoropropane (C<sub>3</sub>F<sub>8</sub>)

Abstract. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are amongst the most potent greenhouse gases listed under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). With atmospheric lifetimes order of thousands to tens years, PFC emissions represent a permanent alteration global atmosphere human timescales. While industries responsible for vast majority these – aluminium smelting and semi-conductor manufacturing have made efficiency improvements introduced abatement measures, mean mole fractions three PFCs, namely tetrafluoromethane (CF4, PFC-14), hexafluoroethane (C2F6, PFC-116) octafluoropropane (C3F8, PFC-218), continue grow. In this study, we update baseline growth rates using in situ high-frequency measurements from Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) and, data four European stations, estimate northwest Europe. The rate CF4 decreased 1.3 ppt yr?1 1979 0.6 around 2010 followed by renewed steady increase 0.9 2019. For C2F6, grew maximum 0.125 1999, decline minimum 0.075 2009, weak thereafter. C3F8 was 0.007 until early 1990s then quickly 0.03 2003–2004. Following period 2012 0.015 yr?1, slowly increased again ? 0.017 We used an inverse modelling framework infer No statistically significant trend regional observed any PFCs assessed. CF4, years were linked predominantly industry. However, link large recent chemical manufacturer Italy. Emissions C2F6 range sources, including Ireland cluster smelters Germany's Ruhr valley. contrast, dominated single source England, raising possibility site tracer release experiment.