Rainer Suntz

Prof. Dr. Rainer Suntz is an Adjunct Professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) within the Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry. His research focuses on combustion science, laser diagnostics, and environmental chemistry. He holds a Habilitation in Chemical Technology from the University of Karlsruhe (2000), a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Heidelberg (1989), and a Diplom in Physics from the same institution (1985).

His research interests encompass soot formation mechanisms, laser-induced diagnostics, catalytic processes, and combustion dynamics. He has contributed extensively to understanding nanoparticle formation, flame-wall interactions, and emissions control in engines. Key methodologies include laser-induced incandescence (LII), planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), and tomographic reconstruction techniques.

Recent work emphasizes real-time monitoring of soot properties in engine exhausts and low-temperature oxidation mechanisms of soot particles. Collaborations involve experimental and numerical studies on turbulent flames, catalytic NO reduction, and particle reactivity. His team’s findings are published in journals like Combustion and Flame, Carbon, and Applied Physics B.

Rainer Suntz leads projects at KIT’s competence field ‘Fuel and Combustion’ (since 2011) and holds a patent on optical tomography methods. His research bridges fundamental combustion science with engineering applications, addressing environmental and energy challenges.