Flow Reactor Study of NH₃/DEE Oxidation Chemistry

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Combustion Science
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Environmentally sustainable fuel alternatives are critical.
• Ammonia is a promising clean fuel but has limitations.
• Co-firing ammonia with other fuels is a viable solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the oxidation of ammonia and diethyl ether (NH3/DEE) mixtures.
• Understand the impact of DEE on NH3 reactivity.
• Analyze the role of radicals and mixture ratios in oxidation.

Main Methods:

• Experiments conducted in a quartz flow reactor at atmospheric pressure.
• Temperature range: 875–1425 K.
• Systematic variation of oxygen excess ratio (λ) and NH3/DEE mixture ratio.

Main Results:

• DEE addition increases ammonia reactivity.
• DEE pyrolysis is initially inhibited by radical competition.
• Hydroxyl (OH) and atomic oxygen (O) radicals are key to NH3 oxidation.
• Increased DEE concentration promotes NH3 oxidation via CH3 radical formation.

Conclusions:

• DEE enhances NH3 oxidation, improving its combustion characteristics.
• Radical interactions and fuel ratios significantly influence oxidation pathways.
• Findings support the use of NH3/DEE mixtures for sustainable energy applications.