Dr. Thorsten Streibel

Diploma and doctorate in technical chemistry with research on the formation of particulate matter during the combustion of carbonaceous fuels using model flame systems. In 2002, transfer to Helmholtz Munich, Institute of Ecological Chemistry in cooperation with the University of Augsburg. Continuation of research on toxic trace substances from combustion processes, now using online analytical methods for real-time characterization. In 2008, transition to the new cooperation partner of Helmholtz Munich, the University of Rostock, while in Munich the research group became CMA. Resumption of research activities on hazardous by-products of combustion processes with a new focus on particulate matter. In recent years, combating adverse health effects caused by undesirable combustion by-products has been the dominant leitmotif.

Combustion processes continue to dominate large areas of transportation and power generation, affecting air quality and the environment. The major drawback of this is the formation of a variety of undesirable toxic byproducts such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the emission of particulate matter. As a result, human health is negatively affected. However, there are major gaps in our knowledge of how this occurs in detail and which components of combustion emissions are responsible for the occurrence of disease patterns such as inflammation, cardiac and respiratory diseases. The research goal, then, is to decipher as much information as possible about these relationships. Complicating the issue is the fact that actions to address and prevent climate change and global warming are leading to significant and not fully understood changes in combustion behavior. The long-term goal is to develop strategies to protect humans from these adverse health effects by developing appropriate public and legislative policies. 

 Analytical ChemistryCombustion MechnanismsTrace Compound Formation