Application of a spark discharge generator for production of combustion-like aerosols

Abstract

This chapter deals with spark ablation as an interesting particle production technique. Operation and particle characteristics of spark discharge generators are compared to other techniques like sooting flame generators and to real combustion soot. The spark discharge generator (SDG) is a versatile device to produce nanoparticle aerosols. It can produce aerosol nanoparticles in the range from a few nanometers up to some hundred nanometers. Spark discharge nanoparticle generation is technically simple; it can be used for any conducting or semiconducting materials. The coating of spark-generated soot with organic material results in a strong increase of the single scattering albedo. The SDG is a simple-to-use tool to produce carbon particles. Although significant differences exist between the spark ablation-generated aerosols and carbonaceous particles produced by combustion in terms of morphology and composition, its simplicity and stability make it a useful tool to produce model combustion aerosols.