Heterogeneous spontaneous self-ignition and self-supporting combustion using nano-catalytic particles

Heterogeneous catalytic reactions normally operate at a temperature which is much higher than room temperature. Stable and reproducible spontaneous self-ignition and self-supporting combustion were achieved at room temperature by exposing nanometer-sized catalytic particles to methanol-air or ethanol-air gas mixtures. Without any external ignition, structurally supported platinum nano-particles instantaneously reacted with the gas mixtures. The reaction was controlled by varying the fuel-air mixture. High resolution IR thermograph revels individual nano-catalytic particle generated a spherical heating zone that has a dimension of a few hundreds micrometers within surrounding space. The reaction released heat and produced CO₂ and water. Such reactions starting at ambient temperature had reached both high and low reaction temperatures. Catalytic activity could be dramatically changed by reducing particle size and changing particle morphology. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 231th ACS National Meeting (Atlanta, GA 3/26-30/2006).