Laboratory studies of HNO3/H2O mixtures at low temperatures

• Main Authors: Mauersberger, Konrad, Hanson, David
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: 1988
• Subjects: ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION; Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2060/19890005162

The possibility of stratospheric HN3 condensing out of the gas-phase at low temperatures has become important in the chemical explanations of the rapid loss of Antarctic ozone in spring. Consequently, knowledge about the behavior of the vapor pressures of water and HNO3 over HNO3/water mixtures at stratospheric temperatures is needed to determine if HNO3 could condense, and by how much the HNO3 vapor pressure could be depressed. Laboratory investigations of vapor pressures above HNO3/water mixtures are described. Vapor pressures were initially measured over liquid and frozen bulk mixtures contained in a glass still which was attached to a stainless steel vacuum chamber. The total pressure in the chamber was monitored with a precision pressure sensor, and the vapor pressures of HNO3, water and impurities were analyzed with a mass spectrometer beam system. In a second set of experiments, vapor deposits were made to produce ice and the mono- and trihydrate of HNO3. Further data and conclusions are presented.