Analyzing the solid soot particulates formed in a fuel-rich flame by solvent-free matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

The developed method provides a new approach for the molecular characterization of soot particulates like carbonaceous materials. The investigated soot particulates are mainly PAHs with no or very short aliphatic chains. The growth mechanism of PAHs during combustion can be examined against the classic HACA mechanism.