Influence of atmospheric conditions on the role of trifluoroacetic acid in atmospheric sulfuric acid–dimethylamine nucleation

Abstract. Ambient measurements combined with theoretical simulations have shown evidence that the tropospheric degradation end-products of Freon alternatives, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), one most important and abundant atmospheric organic substances, can enhance nucleation process based on sulfuric (SA) dimethylamine (DMA) in urban environments. However, TFA is widespread all over world under different conditions, such as temperature precursor concentration, which are factors potentially influencing thus inducing mechanisms. Herein, using density functional theory Atmospheric Cluster Dynamics Code, influence concentrations role SA–DMA has been investigated. The results indicate growth trends clusters involving increase decrease temperature. enhancement particle formation rate by contributions SA–DMA–TFA cluster to pathways be up 227-fold 95 %, respectively, at relatively low temperature, SA high DMA winter, boundary layer, or megacities far away from industrial sources sulfur-containing pollutants. These provide perspective realistic environments, revealing potential alternatives a wide range conditions.