Hygroscopic properties of potassium-halide nanoparticles

The hygroscopic properties of KBr, KCl, and KI nanoparticles having diameters from 8 to 60nm were measured using a tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer. In all cases, the deliquescence and efflorescence relative humidity values increased with decreasing particle diameter. The associated growth factors also decreased with decreasing particle diameter, in agreement with predictions by Kohler theory. Overall, the theoretically predicted growth factors agreed well with the measurements, i.e., within +/- 3% uncertainty. For KCl particles having sizes down to 15nm, however, a dynamic shape factor of 1.08, corresponding to non-spherical crystalline particles prior deliquescence, was inferred for agreement between measurements and theory. By comparison, KBr and KI within the same size range warranted shape factors of unity, equivalent to a sphere. These results contribute to an understanding of nanosize behavior widely relevant to material sciences as well as atmospheric aerosol particles over the oceans.