Projet FUN-PM (H2020)

Résumé / Présentation

While modern societies are facing urgent challenges related to reduction of particulate matter emissions from
transportation engines, recent discoveries on the extraordinary properties of carbonaceous functional nanomaterials
have revealed opportunities associated with large-scale, flame-based synthesis of these otherwise unwanted
combustion products. In both cases, our ability to study new, optimized solutions based on the specific industrial enduser
needs is limited by the absence of theoretical tools able to accurately predict the fluid dynamics and the
chemistry involved in nanoparticle formation. Indeed, current knowledge on this fascinating but complex process is still
rather incomplete. The proposed research program, FUN-PM, will apply an innovative multi-disciplinary, multi-step
approach in order to finally answer many unresolved kinetic questions concerning in particular: 1) formation and growth
of molecular PAH precursors; 2) particle inception; 3) subsequent particle growth and oxidation. Each single step will be
experimentally isolated taking full advantage of complementary conventional shock tube techniques and up-to-date
synchrotron-based detection technologies coupled to a newly constructed high-rate repetition shock tube. If successful,
the novel synchrotron-shock tube techniques will be utilized for the first time to obtain unique information on unknown
key processes. The experimental results, with extensive theoretical ab-initio calculations on relevant PAH reaction
pathways, will constitute the base for the development of a comprehensive, detailed chemical kinetic model for particle
chemistry applied to Real Fuels. Such model will improve the prediction capabilities of current CFD codes for use in
engine design, fuel reformulation, or industrial process optimization, with considerable benefits to the standards of
living of European citizens, the environment, and the EU economy, towards the future of clean transportations and novel
nanomaterials.

Responsable / porteur / P.I. : Andrea Comandini

Lieu principal : Orléans

Périmètre d'action : International

Tutelle : CNRS

Laboratoires impliqués : ICARE