Review of the influencing factors of secondary organic aerosol formation and aging mechanism based on photochemical smog chamber simulation methods

•The complex dynamics physical and chemical processes and the corresponding influencing factors involved in SOA formation and aging mainly based on the results of photochemical smog chamber simulation studies were reviewed.•The properties of the precursor VOCs, the oxidates (such as OH radicals), and the atmospheric environment (such as NOX, SO2, NH3, light intensity, temperature, humidity and seed aerosols) work together to influence the products and yield of SOA. ► Nucleation and vapor pressure of the products were found to be the most fundamental reasons for interpreting dynamics of SOA formation and aging process.•The prospects for the study direction of the SOA formation and aging are predicted.