Identification of oxygenated compounds in combustion systems

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Spectroscopy
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Combustion processes produce oxygenated compounds, including aldehydes, ketones, and diketones.
• These carbonyl compounds are atmospheric pollutants and indicators of hydrocarbon oxidation pathways.
• Controlling combustion and reducing emissions requires understanding the presence and evolution of these species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To spectroscopically identify oxygenated compounds formed during combustion under varying environmental conditions.
• To classify spectroscopic features and markers for carbonyl compounds.
• To apply this classification to analyze fluorescence signals from tetradecane spray combustion.

Main Methods:

• Spectroscopic analysis of oxygenated compounds, focusing on carbonyls (aldehydes, ketones, diketones).
• Literature review and experimental collection of spectra for classification.
• Application of a developed interpretative scheme to analyze fluorescence signals.

Main Results:

• A classification scheme for spectroscopic features of carbonyl compounds was established.
• This scheme was successfully applied to identify species in tetradecane spray combustion.
• Fluorescence signals under different environmental conditions were attributed to specific carbonyl compounds.

Conclusions:

• Spectroscopic identification of carbonyl compounds is feasible and valuable for combustion analysis.
• Understanding carbonyl species aids in controlling combustion and mitigating pollutant emissions.
• The developed classification scheme provides a tool for analyzing complex combustion environments.