Thermal and Chemical Effects of Hydrogen in Catalytic Ignition of n-Butane/Air Mixture

The kinetics of the catalytic ignition processes of hydrogen/n-butane/air on Pt surface is studied to reveal the catalytic ignition mechanism. It is found that the ignition temperature of n-butane is lower when a certain amount of hydrogen is added. However, the effect of hydrogen on the catalytic ignition process and temperature of n-butane depends on the percentage of hydrogen added. When a small amount of hydrogen is added, it has a thermal effect. Adding more hydrogen gas causes it to have a chemical effect. A good fit is obtained between simulated and experimental data for the catalytic ignition temperatures. The ranges of hydrogen content with different effects are also predicted. Furthermore, this kinetic study shows that a different onset reaction of n-butane will lead to different ignition temperatures and mechanisms.