Eff ects of fuel-borne catalysts on kinetics of oxidation of diesel soot generated by pre-mixed pre-vaporized flame

Abstract

This work reports on the synthesis, characterization and application of organometallic complexes as Fuel Borne Catalysts (FBC). Cerium 2-ethylhexanoate, iron 2- ethylhexanoate and copper 2-ethylhexanoate were used as FBCs. Due to their hydrophobic character, these complexes can be easily solubilized in diesel fuel and converted to metal oxides particles, which e ciently catalyze the oxidation of diesel soot, also known as Particulate Matter (PM). An experimental setup (pre-mixed pre-vaporized ame) was designed and constructed to study the e ects of a fuel borne catalyst on the oxidation properties of particulate matter. To better understand the role of metal complexes on soot oxidation, the kinetics of oxidation of metal-containing soot particles was measured. To do this, particulate matter was generated by spraying the catalyst containing the solution and diesel fuel into a mixing chamber. Di erent concentrations of Fe, Ce and Cu complexes were added to the fuel. The oxidation temperature was reduced by 116 C for the case of 50 ppm Fe, a very important factor in the regeneration of diesel particulate lters. However, an unexpected increase in activation energies was seen. This happens when the process becomes less endergonic with the addition of di erent sources of FBC. It was also observed that the presence of an iron complex in fuel signi cantly decreased CO emission during soot oxidation.