Thermal Analysis and Photoionization Mass Spectrometry (TA-PIMS)
Streibel LabTA-PIMS is involved in real-time mass spectrometric detection of trace organic components in pyrolysis and combustion gases, thermal behavior and characterization of fossil and biogenic energy sources, and organic compounds of particulate matter.
TA-PIMS is involved in real-time mass spectrometric detection of trace organic components in pyrolysis and combustion gases, thermal behavior and characterization of fossil and biogenic energy sources, and organic compounds of particulate matter.
About our research
Thermal processes such as combustion and pyrolysis are among the most important technical processes with numerous applications for energy generation, engine operation and the manufacture of chemical products. As a negative side effect of these processes, the formation of organic trace substances, inorganic compounds and particulate matter (PM) occurs. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms that occur at the molecular level during the course of a thermal process is of great importance for prevention and remediation measures as well as for optimization strategies. In addition, combustion and pyrolysis processes exhibit highly dynamic behavior, leading to rapid changes in concentration profiles in the reaction zone as well as in the exhaust or pyrolysis gases. Therefore, analytical methods that provide rapid detection capabilities are required. Photoionization mass spectrometry with time-of-flight mass analyzers (PI-TOFMS) is one such viable tool for characterizing thermal processes. PI-TOFMS enables the rapid generation of complete mass spectra with sub-second time resolutions. It is also among the soft ionization mechanisms in mass spectrometry that significantly minimize fragmentation. This proves advantageous when considering the large number of different trace organic compounds that may be present in exhaust gases and avoids overlapping fragment ions.
Scientists at TA-PIMS
Publications
