Experimental and modeling study of carbon suboxide decomposition behind reflected shock waves

Area of Science:

• Chemical Kinetics
• Combustion Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Carbon suboxide (C(3)O(2)) is a reactive molecule relevant to combustion and materials synthesis.
• Understanding its thermal decomposition is crucial for predicting reaction pathways and product formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the thermal decomposition mechanism of carbon suboxide (C(3)O(2)) at high temperatures.
• To compare experimental data with kinetic model predictions for C(3)O(2) decomposition and carbon cluster growth.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a shock tube coupled with a high-repetition-rate time-of-flight mass spectrometer (HRR-TOF-MS).
• Measured concentration-time profiles of C(3)O(2), CO, C atoms, and C(2) molecules behind reflected shock waves.
• Employed an improved kinetic mechanism for simulations.

Main Results:

• Experimental data and model predictions showed good agreement up to 1800 K.
• Discrepancies between measurements and simulations were observed at temperatures above 1800 K.
• Confirmed the significant role of C(2) in the growth of carbon clusters.

Conclusions:

• The developed kinetic model accurately describes C(3)O(2) decomposition at moderate high temperatures.
• Further refinement of the kinetic model is needed for temperatures exceeding 1800 K.
• C(2) plays a critical role in the formation pathways of larger carbon clusters from C(3)O(2).