Isotopic Tracers for Combustion Research

Abstract

This review article deals with the use of isotopic tracers in the field of combustion science. A number of researchers have reported the use of isotopic techniques, which have been employed to solve a wide range of combustion problems. Radioactive and stable isotopes have been utilized as tracers, including isotopes of carbon (13 C and 14 C), oxygen (18 O), and deuterium (D). One of the main applications has been to quantitatively determine the propensity of a molecule in a mixture, or specific atom within a molecule, to form pollutant emissions. Tracer studies have also been used for the elucidation of combustion reaction pathways, and kinetic rate constant determination of elementary reactions. A number of analytical techniques have been used for isotope detection; and the merits of some of the different techniques are discussed in the context of combustion research. This article concludes by exploring emerging methods and potential future techniques and applications.

Recent Research Progress on Black Carbon Emissions from Marine Diesel Engines

“…The degree of contribution of lubricating oil can be quantify by tracing the source of combustion products by using labeling isotope technology Eveleigh et al [54] presented a review on the application of isotope tracers for combustion science and deliberated on the advantages of the various technologies. An initial measuring technique involves adding radioactive Carbon-14 (C 14 ) isotope label into the engine lubricating oil and evaluates the radioactive decay in the BC aerosol compound samples.…”

“…The composition of BC aerosol compounds consists mainly of carbon elements, sulfates, nitrates, metals, and traces of other elements [110]. Elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) are the main components of carbon in BC aerosol compounds and are associated with the quality of the environment and human health [54]. EC is a component that comes closest to the properties of BC and is produced by the pyrolysis of fuels.…”

A systematic study into the effect of lignocellulose-derived biofuels on the combustion and emissions of fossil diesel blends in a compression ignition engine

“…Isotope tracing experiments have indicated that carbons bonded to oxygen atoms are less likely to be involved in soot formation-forming CO and CO2 more readily-while the increase in potential species, such as OH radicals, available due to an increase in oxygen content, has been indicated to limit PAH growth. 67,68…”