Enhancing soot oxidation on surfaces using microtextures

Biomass combustion provides energy needs for millions worldwide, offering low net CO2 emissions. However, biomass combustors emit soot, posing significant health and environmental risks. Additionally, soot accumulation on the combustor's walls reduces the furnace's efficiency. This research demonstrates how microtextured surfaces can reduce soot accumulation by enhancing soot oxidation. Results show that randomly sandblasted microtextured glass exhibits a 71% reduction in the time required to oxidize 90% of surface soot coverage compared to smooth glass at 530°C. Soot oxidation rates varied depending on the size and spacing of the textures, with larger spacing leading to lower oxidation rates compared to smooth glass. The improved soot oxidation on microtextured surfaces is attributed to sharp features, such as peaks and corners, which decrease the soot layer thickness and increase the likelihood of soot encountering oxygen molecules. Consequently, microtextured surfaces facilitating soot oxidation can significantly enhance performance and longevity in various combustion applications.