Predictive modeling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation during pyrolysis

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), large molecules comprised of multiple aromatic rings like anthracene or pyrene, are a notable intermediate and byproduct in combustion or pyrolysis of hydrocarbon fuels. On their own, they have been shown to pose a significant health risk, with certain PAHs being linked to increased cancer risk in humans. In addition, PAHs are known to play an important role as building blocks towards larger particles, known as soot or black carbon, which contribute a significant fraction of atmospheric PM₂.₅ pollution (particulate matter with diameters under 2.5 [mu]m). These particulates pose additional health risks and can also contribute to global climate change via radiative forcing. This motivates interest in understanding the chemical pathways leading to the formation of these PAHs, which could inform better models to predict PAH emissions and optimize methods to reduce their formation.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctoral

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Chemical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Liu, Mengjie,Ph. D.Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• William H. Green.

• Chemical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• MIT theses may be protected by copyright. Please reuse MIT thesis content according to the MIT Libraries Permissions Policy, which is available through the URL provided.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/129925

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/129925