Innovative AI-Driven Approach for Real-Time 4D Tracking and Physicochemical Analysis of Inorganic Carbonaceous Aerosols in Air and Water

Atmospheric aerosol particles, both organic and inorganic, play a critical role in driving climate change and pose significant risks to human health. Among the major sources of these particles are biomass burning and combustion processes, which release inorganic carbonaceous aerosols (IC) such as black carbon (BC), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and graphite. Despite their environmental and health impacts, the physicochemical properties of IC aerosols remain poorly understood, hindering accurate assessments of their effects on Earth’s radiative balance and public health. In this study, we introduce a novel approach for the in-situ, real-time quantitative analysis of IC aerosols, including their 3D size, shape, phase, and surface properties, along with 4D tracking. This is achieved using an advanced Nano-digital in-line holography microscope (AI-Nano-DIHM) in both air and water environments, under both stationary and dynamic conditions. This study highlights the potential of AI-Nano-DIHM as a cost-effective, rapid, and precise tool for real-time characterization of IC aerosols, offering significant advancements for environmental monitoring and health-related research.