Effect of iron pentacarbonyl additives on the nucleation of soot particles during the pyrolysis of ethylene in shock waves

Abstract

An experimental-computational study of the formation of pure iron nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles (soot), and combined nanoparticles composed of an iron core coated with a carbon shell during the pyrolysis of iron pentacarbonyl–argon, ethylene–argon, and iron pentacarbonyl–ethylene–argon mixtures, respectively, behind reflected shock waves is carried out. The shape and size distribution of these nanoparticles are examined on a Zeiss Ultra plus ultrahigh-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscope. Detailed kinetic simulations of the formation of the three types particles are performed, which predict the concentration, average size, and size distribution of such particles.