Development of synthesized fuels based on diesel by incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles, surfactant and ethyl acetate

• The incorporation of Zinc oxide nanoparticles, surfactant, and ethyl acetate into diesel fuel can lead to significant improvements in fuel properties • Zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibit catalytic properties that promote more complete combustion of diesel fuel, resulting in lower emissions of pollutants. • The addition of a surfactant helps stabilize the dispersion of nanoparticles within the fuel matrix, preventing agglomeration and ensuring uniform distribution • The optimized fuel composition leads to improved fuel economy due to enhanced combustion efficiency and reduced engine friction A study investigated the performance effects of non-stabilized and surfactant-stabilized nanoparticles (NPs) in the presence and absence of ethyl acetate to optimize diesel fuel attributes. Various concentrations of NPs were added to diesel as the base material, with Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) used to assess nanofuel stability. Results showed that diesel containing modified 15-20nm NPs, along with blended diesel fuel (BDF) with a Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value of 7.9, exhibited the highest stability over 48 hours. The inclusion of NPs positively impacted parameters like calculated cetane index (CCI), initial boiling point (IBP), flash point, density, and viscosity. However, it reduced volatility and pour point. Tween 80 and Span 80 reduced CCI, volatility, and pour point while increasing flash point, density, and kinematic viscosity. Ethyl acetate didn't notably affect volatility, density, or viscosity but improved cold-cranking index (CCI) and pour point during combustion by acting as an oxygen buffer. It also showed potential in reducing carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) in exhaust emissions