The effect of elevated reactant temperatures on soot nanostructures in a coflow diffusion ethylene flame

Abstract The relationship between soot surface growth, soot nanostructure and reactant temperature (Tr) in a coflow diffusion ethylene flame was investigated with multiple experimental techniques. The Tr was raised by heating the coflow air. Three cases, with 300K, 473K, and 673K Tr, respectively, were studied. Laser-induced Incandescence revealed that increasing Tr promotes soot formation. Although soot primary particle diameter (dp) also increases with Tr, the increase in dp slows down after 473K Tr, suggesting that there is a deceleration in soot surface growth. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging showed that increased Tr promotes soot aggregation and yields larger and more mature primary particles. The assessment of the Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) patterns indicated that, at 673K Tr, there is a growth of lattice planes. Raman spectroscopy revealed further structural details. By assessing the band intensity ratios, soot for the Tr of 673K has more curved nanostructures. The deceleration of soot surface growth may be explained by surface aging, which is characterized by an increase in curved nanostructures.