Qualitative and quantitative characterisation of minor chemical elements in Diesel Particulate Matter by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

In this research we investigate the minor chemical elements contained in the Diesel particulate matter (DPM) exhaust emissions, generated by in - use Diesel engine passenger vehicles. For this purpose we apply a high resolution optical emission spectroscopy technique, for precise spectrochemical analysis of Diesel particulate matter. By means of the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) analytical method we quantify detected minor chemical elements in DPM. Particulate matter samples were obtained from in-use Diesel engine passenger vehicles of diverse types and models from major brand car producers in Europe. We analysed particulate matter, extracted from the exhaust manifold part, from different passenger vehicles, that are used in daily life environment. The LIBS results have revealed the presence of minor chemical elements: Silicon, Nickel, Titan, Potassium, Strontium and Molybdenum.