Abstract: Carbonaceous particles are a major component of the fine aerosol and it plays an increasingly important role in climate and human health. The identification and quantification of the sources is necessary to improve the air quality and develop targeted control policy and measures. Radiocarbon(¹⁴C) has become a unique and powerful tracer in source apportionment of atmospheric carbonaceous particles, as ¹⁴C measurements enable a distinction between contemporary and fossil carbon. As Accelerator Mass Spectrometry sensitivity improves, ¹⁴C technology has be widely applied in the study for source apportionment of atmospheric aerosols. This paper reviewed the development of different carbonaceous fraction for ¹⁴C measurement and compiles the results from ¹⁴C-based source apportionment. Then the review concluded with some comments on current issues and future prospects using ¹⁴C as a tracer to determine the sources of atmospheric particles.