Research summary
Combustion-generated soot particles are a major contributor to both climate change and human disease. They have been linked to respiratory illnesses, such as lung cancer and emphysema, cancer-causing genotoxicity, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. To reduce these negative impacts, we need a better understanding of how soot is formed and emitted. We also need more information about how to reduce and eventually eliminate particle emissions.
Dr. Seth Dworkin, Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Energy Modelling and Simulation, is developing high-performance computing algorithms that use artificial intelligence to advance particle formation modelling and estimation. He and his research team are acquiring new knowledge about the mechanisms of particle formation from the combustion of fossil fuels and alternative biofuels, and sharing their findings with academia and industry. Their research will help to reduce and eventually eliminate particle emissions.