Distribution of trifluoroacetic acid in gas and particulate phases in Beijing from 2013 to 2016

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) was measured at an urban site in Beijing from April 2013 to April 2016 and examined its characteristics and particle/gas distributions. The average monthly atmospheric TFA concentration fluctuated significantly and presented marked seasonal variations. The concentration levels of gas-phase TFA were significantly higher in spring and summer than in fall and winter. The PM2.5 mass concentration and ambient temperature were important factors affecting the concentration of particulate-phase TFA. Hence, at higher PM2.5 concentrations and lower temperatures, atmospheric TFA tended to be enriched in particulate matter. Our findings suggest that the percentage of gas-phase TFA in Beijing is higher than that in the steady state; thus, gas-phase TFA can still be transformed to the particulate phase and increase the contribution of TFA to haze formation. [Display omitted] •The concentration levels of gas-phase TFA were significantly higher in spring and summer than in fall and winter.•The PM2.5 concentration and temperature were important factors affecting the concentration of particulate-phase TFA.•gas-phase TFA can still be transformed to the particulate phase and increase the contribution of TFA to haze formation.