Electrochemical impedance spectra of particulate matter and smoke

Particularly aerosol particles of fine dimensions are recognized to have a strong impact on the climate change, on the atmospheric energy budget, on the environment and on human health. In this study coarse aerosol particles with different black carbon mass concentrations were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Present work describes preparation of particulate matter samples for impedance measurements, the principles of the structure of electrochemical cell and the relationship between parameters obtained from impedance spectra and black carbon mass concentration. Using complex electrode it is possible to obtain qualitative impedance spectra of particulate matter which were sampled on glass fibre filters. The values of equivalent circuit's elements (R, Q and n) are depending on sampled mass of black carbon and mass of other carbonaceous components which are not black as well as they depend on filter pore packing with solid particles.