Raman spectroscopic characterization of carbonaceous aerosols

We have used Raman spectroscopy to characterize a variety of carbon-containing particulate matter, including samples collected in ambient urban atmospheres. Based on the Raman spectra of known, commercial particles, we derive a simple empirical model that reflects their microchemistry and microphysics. This model gives information on the crystal size and morphology of the graphitic component, which correlates with the known characteristics of the commercial samples. We derive similar information about the graphitic component of the ambient particles, and suggest that this method might be used to characterize ambient particles systematically in the future.