Probing the Formation of Carbon Particles with Laboratory and Synchrotron Experiments

Gas phase nanoparticle formation is a highly complex process that transforms small molecules and radicals into solids that impact many aspects of our lives. These impacts may be positive (high value materials, commodity chemicals etc.) or negative (pollutants). Developing robust chemical mechanisms describing the formation of nanoparticles is critical to controlling the formation of desired species and the optimization of processes. Production of carbonaceous particles proceeds via the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). 

The mechanisms by which PAH are formed are uncertain, in part due to the large numbers of isomers that may contribute to the chemical soup that links reagents and particles. Furthermore, many apparently simple reactions that are important in early PAH formation are actually complex multichannel processes with pressure and temperature dependent branching ratios. These require detailed experimental and theoretical study spanning a broad range of conditions. 

The seminar will present some recent advances utilizing novel laboratory and synchrotron experimental techniques that yield insights into conditions in which nanoparticles are formed and the mechanisms governing PAH formation and growth at temperatures and pressures relevant to practical systems.