Abstract
Laser ionization mass spectroscopy studies and aerosol analyses of combustion byproducts from inside of a laminar, atmospheric pressure diffusion flame burning with argon diluted methane are presented. Large molecules and small carbonaceous particles are found. The molecules are Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), with molecular masses up to 800 amu. The diameters of the particles range between 2 and 50 nm. Formation and destruction of particles and PAHs can be monitored as a function of the height in the flame. It is found that particles are formed before large PAHs appear. The relation between PAHs and particles is discussed. It is proposed that PAHs are formed on the surface of the particles and evaporate into the gas-phase when synthesis is completed. A mechanism for soot particle formation in diffusion flames is presented.
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