Qualitative and Quantitative Characterisation of Minor Chemical Elements in Diesel Particulate Matter by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Abstract

In this research, we investigate the minor chemical elements contained in the diesel particulate matter (DPM) exhaust emissions, generated by in-use diesel engine passenger vehicles. For this purpose, we apply a high-resolution optical emission spectroscopy technique, for precise spectrochemical analysis of diesel particulate matter. By means of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analytical method, we qualitatively and quantitatively characterise detected minor chemical elements in DPM. Particulate matter samples were obtained from in-use diesel engine passenger vehicles of diverse types and models from major brand car producers in Europe. We analysed particulate matter, extracted from the exhaust manifold part, from vehicles, which are used in daily life environment. The LIBS technique has revealed the presence of minor chemical elements in DPM -silicon, nickel, titan, potassium, strontium, and molybdenum with diverse concentrations.