How does biodiesel fuel burn? Revealing the chemical processes of methyl ester decomposition and oxidation

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

It is increasingly likely that a major proportion of the next-generation transport fuels will be derived from biological sources. Biodiesel is already an attractive prospect due to measured reductions in carbon monoxide and fine-particle emission along with its potential as a carbon-neutral fuel source. Impeding the rapid deployment of biodiesel-based engines is our limited understanding of the combustion processes at the molecular level. The purpose of this study is to reveal the underlying chemical processes of biodiesel-droplet burning using laser techniques, synchrotron radiation and mass spectrometry. The ensuing results will flow into modelling studies of biodiesel combustion systems and find practical application by guiding engine design.