Abstract:
We shall focus on combustion in water. In fact, the combustion in supercritical water (SCW), which is one of the most unexplored processes. We will present a novel concept for the in situ study of SCW flames, flameless oxidation, and gasification. Original data on the fundamental behaviour of organic compounds as well as structural and chemical evolution of these compounds have been determined for the first time. We will focus on the mechanistic explanation of the combustion pathways of the main components as well as their interactions during SCW combustion. A variety of novel experimental set ups, including diamond/flames cells and synchrotron beams, allowing for simultaneous observation and measurement of chemical reactions will be discussed. A relevant evolution mechanism based on the time-resolved profiles of intermediates formed during the SCW combustion will be proposed. The results suggest that complex organics can be completely decomposed in SCW and that combustion of different hydrocarbons in the supercritical region seems to be alike.
Bio:
Educated in Kraków, Poland, he subsequently conducted research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and spent much of his academic career at McGill University where he was Associate Vice-Principal for Research & International Relations.
He was Founding Dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering in Toronto and Founding President of a new University in Hereford, which is one of the most ambitious ventures in British higher education.
He is currently leading a new trans-disciplinary initiative applying key driving forces in the 21st century science and engineering to create a novel type of research-based academic programs. The emphasis of his own research is on symbiosis between energy and the environment.