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Two-dimensional gas chromatography for molecular-scale analysis: Examining the effects of alternative fuel components on nvPM emissions from general aviation piston engines

Author

Listed:
  • Chen, Longfei
  • Fan, Yukun
  • Wang, Minghua
  • Shi, Wentao
  • Li, Guangze
  • Chang, Liuyong
  • Pan, Kang
  • Xu, Zheng
  • Hu, Xuehuan

Abstract

In the realm of general aviation, alternative fuel transparency is vital for ensuring safety, efficiency, and advancing green aviation practices. Traditional methods inadequately reveal fuel composition. This study addresses analyzing alternative fuel components with two-dimensional chromatography (GC × GC) and assessing combustion emissions. Utilizing GC × GC in conjunction with a mass spectrometry detector (MSD), a non-targeted identification method was developed, comprehensively characterizing Diesel, Biodiesel, aviation kerosene (RP3), and catalytic hydrothermal synthetic alternative kerosene (CH-SK). Fuel components were categorized, quantified, and correlated with physicochemical properties to conduct evaluations. At heavy-fuel aircraft piston engines (HF-APE) speed of 2000 rpm, experiments were conducted on the non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) emission characteristics, focusing on CH-SK. The results indicated that the non-targeted method accurately differentiated fuel components, producing a detailed matrix of carbon chain lengths and types. Notably, CH-SK hydrocarbons comprised 43.342 % isoparaffins and 0.494 % aromatics, while oxygenated compounds contained a high percentage of intermediate volatile organic compounds (IVOCs) at 94.1308 %, contributing to lower nvPM. CH-SK in HF-APE demonstrated the lowest nvPM and particle sizes of 15–110 nm. This study improves the accuracy of general aviation fuel analysis, provides new perspectives on alternative fuel characterization and screening, and fosters the development of eco-friendly aviation fuels.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Longfei & Fan, Yukun & Wang, Minghua & Shi, Wentao & Li, Guangze & Chang, Liuyong & Pan, Kang & Xu, Zheng & Hu, Xuehuan, 2025. "Two-dimensional gas chromatography for molecular-scale analysis: Examining the effects of alternative fuel components on nvPM emissions from general aviation piston engines," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 341(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:341:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225050339
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139391
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    References listed on IDEAS

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