Collaborative Studies on Soot Particle Formation and Characterization

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Soot particles are carbon nanoparticles that are unnecessarily emitted from many combustion processes. Soot particles are considered the second worst contributor to climate change and adversely affect human health, as soot is a carcinogenic, genotoxic, and teratogenic pollutant. This NSERC Alliance seeks to facilitate the reduction in combustion-generated soot particle emissions by advancing the understanding and numerical modelling of the physics of soot formation. Despite the detrimental consequences of soot emissions and the pressing need for their reduction, there remains key knowledge gaps in the soot formation process that have severely inhibited reduction. To advance the understanding of the processes that lead to soot formation, this proposed international NSERC Alliance with Ryerson University in cooperation with the University of Michigan, will integrate two existing models for soot prediction - one focused on the chemical growth of soot precursors and the other focused on the particle and fluid dynamics of soot-producing combustion - to create a novel, robust predictive tool. The application of the resultant tool will help elucidate the combustion conditions that are conducive to soot formation, why they are so, and how they can be modified to minimize emissions. The outcomes of this research are expected to 1) lead to a stronger fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that produce soot particles, 2) produce new soot formation models with significantly enhanced predictive accuracy, applicability, and detail, and 3) help to mitigate the environmental and health issues associated with soot formation. In doing so, this research will support Canada's environmental efforts, ameliorate the air quality and health of its people, and assist Canadian industries in meeting bold emissions reductions targets.