Research Initiation Award: Fundamental Studies of the Reaction Kinetics of Oxygen with Carbon

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Three aspects of the reaction of oxygen with microporous carbons are investigated in this study: the kinetics of the formation of the surface complex; the role of hydrogen in the solid; and the influence of structural characteristics on the kinetics. Steady-state and transient kinetic data are obtained using thermograivmetric techniques and gas analysis. Chars are characterized by surface area, micropore volume, and micropore size analysis from physisorption data. Interpretation of the data requires a site-distribution model; therefore the study includes a critical analysis of such models. Although gas-solid reactions are central to many chemical and energy prosesses, they are poorly understood. This project addresses the issue systematically. The particular system chosen for study is of vital interest in combustion science. Improved efficiency and control are possible spinoffs from this work.