Figure 4: Conceptual summary.
From: The effect of acid–base clustering and ions on the growth of atmospheric nano-particles
Schematics of the factors affecting the growth rate of clusters and particles in a sulphuric acid-driven system. In the presence of vapours which are effective in stabilizing sulphuric acid clusters (for example, ammonia, amines, organic vapours) cluster collisions may assist the growth of clusters to nano-particles and up to CCN, while the enhancement due to electric charge is significant only for the initial steps of cluster formation when the concentrations of stabilizing vapour(s) are low. The absolute concentration required for significant cluster formation depends on the strength of the stabilization.
