Carbon nanotubes and nanocrystals in methane combustion and the environmental implications

The production of carbon nanotubes and nanocrystal particulates by near optimal optimal combustion of methane in a laminar methane-air co-flow flame was discussed. The presence of carbon nanotubes and nanocrystals in atmospheric aerosols was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The non-optimized combustion of hydrocarbon fuel produced soot or smoke emissions which was observed as branched clusters of amorphous carbon or hydrocarbon spherules. The variations in carbon nanotubes and their complex intermixing or agglomeration were reflected in variations in the selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns .