Spatial distribution of metallic heteroatoms in soot nanostructure mapped by aberration-corrected STEM-EELS

Soot from the thermochemical conversion of solid and liquid fuels can be infused with metallic heteroatoms originating fuel – these alter nanostructure reactivity soot. Here, we investigate spatial distribution in soot generated by biomass gasification, using aberration-corrected Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Energy Loss Spectroscopy (STEM-EELS). The technique allowed for mapping heteroatom at nanoscale, thereby direct correlation concentration graphitic nanostructure. Spherical particles were coated a thin layer silicon, possibly form quartz that may linked to minor distortions shell particles. Further results on non-spherical inorganic-carbon fused aggregates suggest chemistry formation was affected presence gaseous ash-forming elements, especially calcium, carbon-oxygen functional groups forming as intermediates graphite-inorganic reaction; i.e., prior thermodynamically stable carbonate bonds. analytical approach demonstrated here potentially help select additives or aid design blends minimize similar, hybrid carbon nanoparticles combustion gasification systems.