Showing papers on "Hydrocarbon published in 2012"
TL;DR: In this paper, the metal-organic framework Fe2(dobdc) was demonstrated to exhibit excellent performance characteristics for separation of ethylene/ethane and propylene/propane mixtures at 318 kelvin.
Abstract: The energy costs associated with large-scale industrial separation of light hydrocarbons by cryogenic distillation could potentially be lowered through development of selective solid adsorbents that operate at higher temperatures. Here, the metal-organic framework Fe2(dobdc) (dobdc4- : 2,5-dioxido-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) is demonstrated to exhibit excellent performance characteristics for separation of ethylene/ethane and propylene/propane mixtures at 318 kelvin. Breakthrough data obtained for these mixtures provide experimental validation of simulations, which in turn predict high selectivities and capacities of this material for the fractionation of methane/ethane/ethylene/acetylene mixtures, removal of acetylene impurities from ethylene, and membrane-based olefin/paraffin separations. Neutron powder diffraction data confirm a side-on coordination of acetylene, ethylene, and propylene at the iron(II) centers, while also providing solid-state structural characterization of the much weaker interactions of ethane and propane with the metal.
1,470 citations
TL;DR: A class of iron catalysts on relatively passive supports that robustly directed the FT process toward light olefins are demonstrated, using catalysts that constitute iron nanoparticles (promoted by sulfur plus sodium) homogeneously dispersed on weakly interactive α-alumina or carbon nanofiber supports.
Abstract: Lower olefins are key building blocks for the manufacture of plastics, cosmetics, and drugs. Traditionally, olefins with two to four carbons are produced by steam cracking of crude oil-derived naphtha, but there is a pressing need for alternative feedstocks and processes in view of supply limitations and of environmental issues. Although the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis has long offered a means to convert coal, biomass, and natural gas into hydrocarbon derivatives through the intermediacy of synthesis gas (a mixture of molecular hydrogen and carbon monoxide), selectivity toward lower olefins tends to be low. We report on the conversion of synthesis gas to C(2) through C(4) olefins with selectivity up to 60 weight percent, using catalysts that constitute iron nanoparticles (promoted by sulfur plus sodium) homogeneously dispersed on weakly interactive α-alumina or carbon nanofiber supports.
971 citations
TL;DR: Comparison of the endmember gas and oil composition with the composition of water column samples showed that the plume was preferentially enriched with water-soluble components, indicating that aqueous dissolution played a major role in plume formation, whereas the fates of relatively insoluble petroleum components were initially controlled by other processes.
Abstract: Quantitative information regarding the endmember composition of the gas and oil that flowed from the Macondo well during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is essential for determining the oil flow rate, total oil volume released, and trajectories and fates of hydrocarbon components in the marine environment. Using isobaric gas-tight samplers, we collected discrete samples directly above the Macondo well on June 21, 2010, and analyzed the gas and oil. We found that the fluids flowing from the Macondo well had a gas-to-oil ratio of 1,600 standard cubic feet per petroleum barrel. Based on the measured endmember gas-to-oil ratio and the Federally estimated net liquid oil release of 4.1 million barrels, the total amount of C1-C5 hydrocarbons released to the water column was 1.7 × 1011 g. The endmember gas and oil compositions then enabled us to study the fractionation of petroleum hydrocarbons in discrete water samples collected in June 2010 within a southwest trending hydrocarbon-enriched plume of neutrally buoyant water at a water depth of 1,100 m. The most abundant petroleum hydrocarbons larger than C1-C5 were benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and total xylenes at concentrations up to 78 μg L-1. Comparison of the endmember gas and oil composition with the composition of water column samples showed that the plume was preferentially enriched with water-soluble components, indicating that aqueous dissolution played a major role in plume formation, whereas the fates of relatively insoluble petroleum components were initially controlled by other processes.
644 citations
TL;DR: It is hypothesized that biodegradation and photooxidation share responsibility for the accumulation of oxygen in the oil residues, revealing that molecular-level transformations of petroleum hydrocarbons lead to increasing amounts of, apparently recalcitrant, oxyhydrocarbons that dominate the solvent-extractable material from oiled samples.
Abstract: Following the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the effect of weathering on surface slicks, oil-soaked sands, and oil-covered rocks and boulders was studied for 18 months. With time, oxygen content increased in the hydrocarbon residues. Furthermore, a weathering-dependent increase of an operationally defined oxygenated fraction relative to the saturated and aromatic fractions was observed. This oxygenated fraction made up >50% of the mass of weathered samples, had an average carbon oxidation state of −1.0, and an average molecular formula of (C5H7O)n. These oxygenated hydrocarbon residues were devoid of natural radiocarbon, confirming a fossil source and excluding contributions from recent photosynthate. The incorporation of oxygen into the oil’s hydrocarbons, which we refer to as oxyhydrocarbons, was confirmed from the detection of hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups and the identification of long chain (C10–C32) carboxylic acids as well as alcohols. On the basis of the diagnostic ratios of alkanes and pol...
283 citations
TL;DR: The study found that in catalytic-pyrolysis, as the catalyst loading increased from zero to nine times of the biomass, the carbon yield of aromatic hydrocarbons increased from 0.9 to 25.8 wt.%, which accounts for 60.% carbon yield.
260 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the microwave-heated pyrolysis of waste automotive engine oil was investigated using microwave energy as the heat source, and the yield and characteristics of the recovered oils (i.e. elemental analysis, hydrocarbon composition, and potential fuel properties) were presented and discussed.
177 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of ethanol on particulate matter (PM) emissions from gasoline direct injection (GDI) vehicles was explored and two engine calibrations were examined to gauge the robustness of the results.
Abstract: This study explores the influence of ethanol on particulate matter (PM) emissions from gasoline direct injection (GDI) vehicles, a technology introduced to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, but facing challenges to meet next-generation emissions standards. Because PM formation in GDI engines is sensitive to a number of operating parameters, two engine calibrations are examined to gauge the robustness of the results. As the ethanol level in gasoline increases from 0% to 20%, there is possibly a small ( 30%, there is a statistically significant 30%–45% reduction in PM mass and number emissions observed for both engine calibrations. Particle size is unaffected by ethanol level. PM composition is primarily elemental carbon; the organic fraction increases from ∼5% for E0 to 15% for E45 fuel. Engine-out hydrocarbon and NOx emissions exhibit 10–20% decreases, consistent w...
155 citations
TL;DR: A two-dimensional hydrocarbon polymer that uses a combination of surface adsorption and narrow pores to separate carbon dioxide from nitrogen, oxygen, and methane gases is characterized, enabling low-cost postcombustion CO2 capture, utilization of landfill gas, and horticulture applications.
Abstract: Carbon dioxide gas separation is important for many environmental and energy applications. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to characterize a two-dimensional hydrocarbon polymer, PG-ES1, that uses a combination of surface adsorption and narrow pores to separate carbon dioxide from nitrogen, oxygen, and methane gases. The CO2 permeance is 3 × 10(5) gas permeation units (GPU). The CO2/N2 selectivity is 60, and the CO2/CH4 selectivity exceeds 500. The combination of high CO2 permeance and selectivity surpasses all known materials, enabling low-cost postcombustion CO2 capture, utilization of landfill gas, and horticulture applications.
141 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the deoxygenation of triolein and soybean oil under nitrogen atmosphere was investigated over Ni-Al, Ni-Mg-Al and Mg-al layered double hydroxides, as well as 20.1% Ni/Al 2 O 3.
139 citations
TL;DR: The combination of low interfacial tension and high diffusion of molecules in the oil phase gives the CO(2) molecules unique properties as an IOR fluid compared with other fluids studied here.
Abstract: In our paper, we study the interface wettability, diffusivity, and molecular orientation between crude oil and different fluids for applications in improved oil recovery (IOR) processes through atomistic molecular dynamics (MD). The salt concentration, temperature, and pressure effects on the physical chemistry properties of different interfaces between IOR agents [brine (H(2)O + % NaCl), CO(2), N(2), and CH(4)] and crude oil have been determined. From the interfacial density profiles, an accumulation of aromatic molecules near the interface has been observed. In the case of brine interfaced with crude oil, our calculations indicate an increase in the interfacial tension with increasing pressure and salt concentration, which favors oil displacement. On the other hand, with the other fluids studied (CO(2), N(2), and CH(4)), the interfacial tension decreases with increasing pressure and temperature. With interfacial tension reduction, an increase in fluid diffusivity in the oil phase is observed. We also studied the molecular orientation properties of the hydrocarbon and fluids molecules in the interface region. We perceived that the molecular orientation could be affected by changes in the interfacial tension and diffusivity of the molecules in the interface region with the increased pressure and temperature: pressure (increasing) → interfacial tension (decreasing) → diffusion (increasing) → molecular ordering. From a molecular point of view, the combination of low interfacial tension and high diffusion of molecules in the oil phase gives the CO(2) molecules unique properties as an IOR fluid compared with other fluids studied here.
115 citations
TL;DR: In this article, Ni-Cu catalysts on various supports were synthesized and screened for the catalytic hydrotreatment of fast pyrolysis oil in a batch set-up (350 degrees C, 200 bar initial pressure) and showed the highest activity (average activity of 576 NL hydrogen kg(PO)(-1) g(active metal) for a 4 h batch time).
Abstract: Bimetallic Ni-Cu catalysts on various Supports (CeO2-ZrO2, ZrO2, SiO2, TiO2, rice husk carbon, and Sibunite) with metal contents ranging from 7.5 to 9.0 (Ni) and 3.1-3.6 wt.% (Cu) for the inorganic supports and 17.1-17.8 (Ni) and 7.1-7.8 (Cu) for the carbon supports were synthesised and screened for the catalytic hydrotreatment of fast pyrolysis oil in a batch set-up (350 degrees C, 200 bar initial pressure). NiCu/TiO2 showed the highest activity (average activity of 576 NLhydrogen kg(PO)(-1) g(active metal)(-1) for a 4 h batch time) and gave a product oil with the most favourable properties, viz. a H/C ratio of 1.43, a low TG residue (2.7 wt.%) and the highest solubility in a hydrocarbon solvent. The TiO2 based catalyst was characterised as having moderate leaching levels of Ni and Cu metals (Ti remained unchanged), low carbon deposition on the catalyst surface and limited metal sintering. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
TL;DR: In this paper, non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis of microalgae were carried out to generate an organic liquid fuel precursor, and the impacts of several process variables on the fast pyroglysis in a falling solids reactor are reported, including temperature, particle size, flow rate, and atmosphere (N 2, H 2 O and CO 2 ).
Abstract: Non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis of microalgae were carried out to generate an organic liquid fuel precursor. The impacts of several process variables on the fast pyrolysis in a falling solids reactor are reported, including temperature, particle size, flow rate, and atmosphere (N 2 , H 2 O and CO 2 ). Experiments were carried out with duckweed as the biomass to provide some comparison. The speciated organic phase product data were classified according to the different compound types including hydrocarbons, alcohols, oxygenates, and nitrogenates. In-situ catalytic pyrolysis produced an organic phase with an increased fraction of hydrocarbons and decreased fraction of oxygenates, evidence for carbon removal chemistries such as decarboxylation and decarbonylation. The noncatalytic pyrolysis gave the highest total liquid yield while catalytic pyrolysis resulted in the highest yield of the desired hydrocarbon fraction. A comparison of four exchanged ZSM-5 catalysts (H-, Fe-, Cu-, and Ni-) indicates that the protonated zeolite provided the largest enhancement among the catalysts of the liquid product yield and composition: H-ZSM-5 increased the yield of the hydrocarbon fraction in the organic phase from 21% to 43%, a 100% relative increase, and exhibited the least coking. The effects of biomass weight hourly space velocity, and comparisons between H-ZSM5 powder and monolithic catalysts are also reported. The implications of the findings for the conversion of microalgae to liquid fuels are discussed.
Patent•
27 Apr 2012
TL;DR: In this article, a polymerizable compound, a polymerable composition, and a polymer that have a low melting point at a practical level, exhibit excellent solubility in a general-purpose solvent, can be produced at low cost, and can produce an optical film that exhibits excellent transparency, and achieves uniform conversion of polarized light over a wide wavelength band, and an optically anisotropic article can be provided.
Abstract: According to the invention, a polymerizable compound, a polymerizable composition, and a polymer that have a low melting point at a practical level, exhibit excellent solubility in a general-purpose solvent, can be produced at low cost, and can produce an optical film that exhibits excellent transparency, and achieves uniform conversion of polarized light over a wide wavelength band, and an optically anisotropic article can be provided. In formula (I), Y 1 to Y 8 are, -O-, -O-C(=O)-, -C(=O)-O-, etc., G 1 and G 2 are a divalent linear aliphatic group of 1-20 carbon atoms, Z 1 and Z 2 are an alkenyl group of 2-10 carbon atoms that is substituted with a halogen atom, or unsubstituted, A x is an organic group of 2-30 carbon atoms that includes at least one aromatic ring, A y is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1-20 carbon atoms, etc., A 1 is a trivalent aromatic group, A 2 and A 3 are a substituted or unsubstituted divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group of 3-30 carbon atoms, A 4 and A 5 are a divalent aromatic group of 6-30 carbon atoms, and Q 1 is a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group of 1-6 carbon atoms.
TL;DR: In this article, a two dimensional model was developed to study the transport and reaction processes in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) fueled by partially pre-reformed gas mixture, considering the direct internal reforming of methane and water gas shift (WGS) reaction in the porous anode of SOFC.
TL;DR: In this article, a one-pot approach was established to prepare carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through the carbonization of polypropylene (PP) by the combined catalysts of activated carbon (AC) with Ni 2 O 3.
Abstract: A one-pot approach was established to prepare carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through the carbonization of polypropylene (PP) by the combined catalysts of activated carbon (AC) with Ni 2 O 3 . The combination of AC with Ni 2 O 3 showed a synergistic catalysis on the catalytic conversion of PP to form CNTs. The effects of the content of AC and carbonization temperature on the yield of CNTs were studied. The morphology, phase structure and thermal stability of the obtained CNTs were analyzed by means of SEM, TEM, XRD, TGA and Raman. In this synergistic catalysis, the surface functional groups (especially carboxylic groups) of AC were proved to be the key factor. AC not only promoted the cracking of PP fragment radicals into light hydrocarbons and the dehydrogenation and aromatization of the resultant light hydrocarbons into aromatic compounds, but also promoted the formation of the intermediate aromatic compounds or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the reaction of light hydrocarbon products and aromatic compounds. Additionally, AC assisted in situ Ni catalyst (originated from the reduction of Ni 2 O 3 ) catalyzing the dehydrogenation and aromatization of intermediate aromatic compounds or PAHs products to form CNTs. At last, a layer-by-layer assembled mechanism based on benzene rings for the growth of CNTs using PP as carbon source and combined AC/Ni 2 O 3 as catalysts was proposed. This mechanism will help to understand the growth mechanism of CNTs using virgin or waste plastics as carbon sources. More importantly, this approach offers a new potential way for large-scale production of CNTs from waste plastics using cheap AC as a cocatalyst.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) ionization to elucidate the structures of a traditionally "unresolved complex mixture" by separating components by GC retention time, t(R), and mass-to-charge ratio, m/z, which are used to determine carbon number, degree of saturation, presence of rings, and degree of branching, providing structural constraints.
Abstract: Understanding the composition of complex hydrocarbon mixtures is important for environmental studies in a variety of fields, but many prevalent compounds cannot be confidently identified using traditional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques. This work uses vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) ionization to elucidate the structures of a traditionally "unresolved complex mixture" by separating components by GC retention time, t(R), and mass-to-charge ratio, m/z, which are used to determine carbon number, N(C), and the number of rings and double bonds, N(DBE). Constitutional isomers are resolved on the basis of t(R), enabling the most complete quantitative analysis to date of structural isomers in an environmentally relevant hydrocarbon mixture. Unknown compounds are classified in this work by carbon number, degree of saturation, presence of rings, and degree of branching, providing structural constraints. The capabilities of this analysis are explored using diesel fuel, in which constitutional isomer distribution patterns are shown to be reproducible between carbon numbers and follow predictable rules. Nearly half of the aliphatic hydrocarbon mass is shown to be branched, suggesting branching is more important in diesel fuel than previously shown. The classification of unknown hydrocarbons and the resolution of constitutional isomers significantly improves resolution capabilities for any complex hydrocarbon mixture.
TL;DR: In this paper, a fractional catalytic pyrolysis process was used to convert biomass feedstocks into a product termed "biocrude oils" which are distinct from unstable conventional pyrolynsis oils.
Abstract: The major obstacle in thermochemical biomass conversion to hydrocarbon fuels using pyrolysis has been the high oxygen content and the poor stability of the product oils, which cause them to solidify during secondary processing. We have developed a fractional catalytic pyrolysis process to convert biomass feedstocks into a product termed “biocrude oils” (stable biomass pyrolysis oils) which are distinct from unstable conventional pyrolysis oils. The biocrude oils are stable, low viscosity liquids that are storable at ambient conditions without any significant increases in viscosity; distillable at both atmospheric pressure and under vacuum without char or solid formation. About 15 wt% biocrude oils containing 20–25% oxygen were blended with 85 wt% standard gas oil and co-cracked in an Advanced Catalyst Evaluation (ACE™) unit using fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts to produce hydrocarbon fuels that contain negligible amount of oxygen. For the same conversion of 70% for both the standard gas oil and the biocrude oil/gas oil blends, the product gasoline yield was 44 wt%, light cycle oil (LCO) 17 wt%, heavy cycle oil (HCO) 13 wt%, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) 16 wt%. However, the coke yield for the standard gas oil was 7.06 wt% compared to 6.64–6.81 wt% for the blends. There appeared to be hydrogen transfer from the cracking of the standard gas oil to the biocrude oil which subsequently eliminated the oxygen in the fuel without external hydrogen addition. We have demonstrated for the first time that biomass pyrolysis oils can be successfully converted into hydrocarbons without hydrogenation pretreatment.
TL;DR: In this paper, a perspective on the C-H activation of this potent greenhouse gas, by homogeneous and well-defined organometallic complexes is presented, with an emphasis on several recent advances in this field.
Abstract: The base hydrocarbon of natural gas, methane, is one of the most unreactive hydrocarbons in terms of C–H bond dissociation enthalpy, ionization potential, and pKa. A perspective on the C–H activation of this potent greenhouse gas, by homogeneous and well-defined organometallic complexes is presented, with an emphasis on several recent advances in this field.
TL;DR: In this article, automotive engine oil was pyrolyzed in a continuous stirred bed reactor using microwave energy as the heat source; the yield and characteristics of the incondensable gaseous products are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the organic fouling mechanism of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) based on electrostatic interaction, affinity interaction and geometrical factors, the timevoltage curves in an electrodialysis (ED) desalination process consisting of commercially available AEM and NaCl solutions containing organic substances with different chemical structures as organic foulants were measured.
TL;DR: In this article, a modification of the current Baker carbon growth model, to show the metal-catalyst interactions, that takes this information into account (particularly at temperatures lower than 500°C) is proposed.
TL;DR: This work provided an alternative way to explain the contribution of different microbial species in the degradation of hydrocarbon fractions and showed that the remarkable increase of Burkholderia spp.
TL;DR: The formation of distinctly different n- and iso-alkane biodegradation fingerprints under different electron accepting conditions may be used to assess the occurrence of specific degradation processes at a contaminated site and may require adjustment if applied for anaerobic sites.
TL;DR: The described technique provides a unique approach, utilizing earth abundant materials, for the photocatalytic reduction of CO(2) with subsequent generation of higher order hydrocarbons and syngas constituents of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
Abstract: Light-driven, electrically biased pn junction photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells immersed in an electrolyte of CO2 saturated 1.0 M NaHCO3 are investigated for use in generating hydrocarbon fuels. The PEC photocathode is comprised of p-type Si nanowire arrays, with and without copper sensitization, while the photoanode is comprised of n-type TiO2 nanotube array films. Under band gap illumination, the PEC cells convert CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels, such as methane, along with carbon monoxide and substantial rates of hydrogen generation due to water photoelectrolysis. In addition to traces of C3–C4 hydrocarbons, methane and ethylene were formed at the combined rate of 201.5 nM/cm2-hr at an applied potential of −1.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The described technique provides a unique approach, utilizing earth abundant materials, for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with subsequent generation of higher order hydrocarbons and syngas constituents of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
TL;DR: After 18days of cultivation the biomass yield and hydrocarbon contents were increased in both raceway and circular ponds and the fat content was found to be around 24% (w/w) with palmitic and oleic acids as prominent fatty acids.
TL;DR: Four zeolites were tested and HZSM-5 (Si/Al=25) was found to be the most effective catalyst in both reactivity and selectivity, and was recycled for five times without significant decrease in product selectivity.
TL;DR: In this paper, the deoxygenation of microalgal oil obtained by pyrolysis of microalgae was carried out for the production of hydrocarbon fuel from biomass by metal supported catalyst.
23 May 2012
TL;DR: The term petroleum is referred to an extremely complex mixture of a wide variety of low and high molecular weight hydrocarbons as discussed by the authors, which includes saturated alkanes, branched alkanes, alkenes, napthenes (homocyclics and hetero-cyclics), aromatics (including aromatics containing hetero atoms like sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and other heavy metal complexes), Naptheno-aromatics, large aromatic molecules like resins, asphaltenes, and hydrocarbon containing different functional groups like carboxylic
Abstract: Hydrocarbon contamination in the environment is a very serious problem whether it comes from petroleum, pesticides or other toxic organic matter. Environmental pollution caused by petroleum is of great concern because petroleum hydrocarbons are toxic to all forms of life. Environmental contamination by crude oil is relatively common because of its widespread use and its associated disposal operations and accidental spills. The term petroleum is referred to an extremely complex mixture of a wide variety of low and high molecular weight hydrocarbons. This complex mixture contains saturated alkanes, branched alkanes, alkenes, napthenes (homo-cyclics and hetero-cyclics), aromatics (including aromatics containing hetero atoms like sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and other heavy metal complexes), naptheno-aromatics, large aromatic molecules like resins, asphaltenes, and hydrocarbon containing different functional groups like carboxylic acids, ethers, etc. Crude oil also contains heavy metals and much of the heavy metal content of crude oil is associated with pyrrolic structures known as porphyrins. Petroleum is refined into various fractions such as light oil, naphtha, kerosene, diesel, lube oil waxes, and asphaltenes, etc. The light fractions, which are distilled at atmospheric pressure, are commonly known as light ends and the heavy fractions like lube oil and asphaltenes are known as the heavy ends. The light and the heavy ends of petroleum have different hydrocarbons composition, the light ends contain low molecular weight saturated hydrocarbons, unsaturated hydrocarbons, naphthenes, and low percentage of aromatic compounds; while the heavier ends consist of high molecular weight alkanes, alkenes, organometallic compounds, and high molecular weight aromatic compounds. This portion is comparatively rich in metals and N,S,O containing compounds. Figure 1 shows some of the chemical structures of common hydrocarbons compounds. These hydrocarbon molecules are widespread in the environment due to the wide range of petroleum uses, which are presented elsewhere (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste /quick_topics/publications/pss/pcp/PetroleumProductDescriptions.pdf).
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the de-NOx performance of a Cu-ZSM-5 catalyst to which ZrO 2 additives are added to improve the low-temperature activity and durability of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst for diesel vehicles.
TL;DR: The results show that aerosol formed from CH(4)/N(2) photochemistry contains a surprising amount of nitrogen, up to 16% by mass, a result of photolysis in the far UV.
Abstract: Nitrile incorporation into Titan aerosol accompanying hydrocarbon chemistry is thought to be driven by extreme UV wavelengths (λ<120 nm) or magnetospheric electrons in the outer reaches of the atmosphere. Far UV radiation (120–200 nm), which is transmitted down to the stratosphere of Titan, is expected to affect hydrocarbon chemistry only and not initiate the formation of nitrogenated species. We examined the chemical properties of photochemical aerosol produced at far UV wavelengths, using a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS), which allows for elemental analysis of particle-phase products. Our results show that aerosol formed from CH4/N2 photochemistry contains a surprising amount of nitrogen, up to 16% by mass, a result of photolysis in the far UV. The proportion of nitrogenated organics to hydrocarbon species is shown to be correlated with that of N2 in the irradiated gas. The aerosol mass greatly decreases when N2 is removed, which indicates that N2 plays a ...