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Measurement of Ion Formation during Combustion

Nature volume 198, pages 780–781 (1963)Cite this article

Abstract

THE production of positive ions and free electrons in flames has given rise to considerable speculation with regard to the mechanism of their formation. Hypotheses concerning hydrocarbon flames have also become the subject of discussion among analytical chemists as a result of the widespread use of the hydrogen-flame ionization detector with gas chromatographs. Some current theory1 would link ion formation in hydrocarbon flames to the reaction step: and such a reaction would be in good agreement with the quantitative proportionality between the mol fraction of ions produced and the mol fraction of carbon in any particular species2,3. Unfortunately, experimental work with flames is beset by many practical difficulties, and much conflicting evidence has resulted. For this reason no particular hypothesis has gained universal acceptance.

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References

  1. Fueno, Takayuki, Mukherjee, N. R., Ree, Taikyue, and Eyring, Henry, Eighth Intern. Symp. Combustion, 222 (Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, 1962).

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  2. Perkins, jun., G., Rouayheb, G. M., Lively, L. D., and Hamilton, W. C., in Gas Chromatography, Chap. 19 (Academic Press, New York, 1962).

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  3. Sternberg, James C., Gallaway, William, S., and Jones, David T. L., in Gas Chromatography, Chap. 18 (Academic Press, New York, 1962).

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  4. Folmer, jun., O. F., and Perkins, jun., Gerald, Intern. Symp. Advances in Gas Chromatography, (Houston, Texas 1963).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research and Development Department, Continental Oil Co., Ponca City, Oklahoma

    GERALD PERKINS JUN., KANG YANG & O. F. FOLMER JUN.

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  1. GERALD PERKINS JUN.
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  2. KANG YANG
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  3. O. F. FOLMER JUN.
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PERKINS, G., YANG, K. & FOLMER, O. Measurement of Ion Formation during Combustion. Nature 198, 780–781 (1963). https://doi.org/10.1038/198780b0

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