Morphological and Nanostructural Characteristics of Diesel Exhaust Soot Particles at Different Engine Operating Conditions

The diesel engine offers challenges associated with high-soot particles emissions. The manuscript aims to study the impact of engine operating parameters on the morphology and nanostructure characteristics of soot particles. The study was conducted on a 5.9 L six-cylinder diesel cylinder using diesel fuel. The engine was operated at four different loads (25, 50, 75, and 100%) and two speeds (1500 and 2000 rpm). The collected soot samples were analyzed using a transmission electron microscope (JEOL 2100) for morphology and nanostructural characterization. The findings show that as engine speed increases primary particle diameter decreases and as engine speed increases primary particle diameter increases. An ordered graphitic structure of soot was observed at higher engine loads and speeds. The change in the nanostructure of soot particles influences diesel particulate filters performance during their regeneration process.