Isotopic Tracers for Combustion Research

Abstract

This review article deals with the use of isotopic tracers in the field of combustion science. A number of researchers have reported the use of isotopic techniques, which have been employed to solve a wide range of combustion problems. Radioactive and stable isotopes have been utilized as tracers, including isotopes of carbon (13C and 14C), oxygen (18O), and deuterium (D). One of the main applications has been to quantitatively determine the propensity of a molecule in a mixture, or specific atom within a molecule, to form pollutant emissions. Tracer studies have also been used for the elucidation of combustion reaction pathways, and kinetic rate constant determination of elementary reactions. A number of analytical techniques have been used for isotope detection; and the merits of some of the different techniques are discussed in the context of combustion research. This article concludes by exploring emerging methods and potential future techniques and applications.