Detailed investigation of the oxidation and pyrolysis of short chain aldehydes (C1–C4)

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Alexander Heufer
• Subject Area: Energy Process Engineering ; Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 511644227

Aldehyde emissions from combustion processes pose an imminent threat to human health and have to be minimized as much as possible. For the development of technologies for emissions reductions one has to understand how aldehydes are emitted and consumed during combustion. While the emission of aldehydes depends on the fuel-specific chemistry, the consumption at engine-relevant conditions mostly depend on the aldehyde-specific chemistry. At engine-relevant conditions, however, experimental data is scarce and therefore, detailed chemical kinetic models are insufficiently validated for these conditions. The research will remedy this scarcity by providing low temperature and high-pressure ignition delay time measurements obtained through rapid compression machine and shock tube experiments. Moreover, speciation data from stoichiometric oxidation to oxygen-free pyrolysis conditions will be obtained through combined gas chromatography / mass spectrometry and infrared laser absorption diagnostics. These experimental data provide a sound basis for consistent and hierarchical detailed chemical kinetic modeling and validation for C1 – C4 aldehyde oxidation and pyrolysis chemistry. The results of the research will significantly advance the understanding of how aldehydes are consumed during combustion processes and give insights into the underlying mechanisms. This knowledge is crucial for future development of technologies for reducing aldehyde emissions.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Ireland, Italy
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Henry Curran; Professor Dr. Matteo Pelucchi