Committee Members Information

• Ph.D. Advisor: Professor Mani Sarathy
• External Examiner: Professor Zeynep Serinyel Université de Bourgogne Europe
  Institut Supérieur de l'Automobile et des Transports – ISAT
  Département de Recherche en Ingénierie des Véhicules pour l'Environnement 
• Committee Chair: Professor Luigi Cavallo
• 4th Committee Member: Professor Pedro Castano

 ZOOM LINK:  https://kaust.zoom.us/j/92609986844

Abstract

The transition to carbon-neutral or zero-carbon fuels demands accurate kinetic data. This dissertation presents an in-depth investigation into the kinetics and regioselectivity for the abstraction of hydrogen atoms from several fuels and by different radicals, a critical area of research at the molecular level for ultimately advancing combustion engine technology running on cleaner energy sources. My thesis particularly highlights the need for accurately determining rate constants of this key elementary reaction class, when considering the combustion kinetic behavior of alternative fuels such as bioethers and blended ammonia from both an experimental and theoretical standpoint. Modified-Arrhenius expressions were fitted to both measured and calculated rate constants. The derived kinetic parameters are crucial for refining combustion and atmospheric models, thereby contributing to the design of more efficient and more environmentally friendly combustion systems.