Synthesis of nanoparticles in carbon arc: measurements and modeling

TL;DR

This paper investigates nanoparticle formation in atmospheric pressure carbon arcs using measurements and modeling, revealing growth regions and the effects of flow and condensation processes.

Contribution

It combines experimental laser diagnostics with CFD simulations to elucidate nanoparticle growth mechanisms in carbon arcs, a novel integrated approach.

Findings

Nanoparticles form in the colder, outer regions of the arc.

Large nanoparticle clouds are observed near high diatomic carbon densities.

Modeling explains the interplay of condensation and convection in nanoparticle formation.

Abstract

This work studies the region of nanoparticle growth in atmospheric pressure carbon arc. Detection of the nanoparticles is realized via the planar laser induced incandescence (PLII) approach. Measurements revealed large clouds of nanoparticles in the arc periphery, bordering the region with high density of diatomic carbon molecules. Two-dimensional computational fluid dynamic simulations of the arc combined with thermodynamic modeling explain these results due to interplay of the condensation of carbon molecular species and the convection flow pattern. The results have shown that the nanoparticles are formed in the colder, outside regions of the arc and described the parameters necessary for coagulation.