Assessment of Emission Reductions in a Diesel Engine using Graphene Oxide Nanoparticle-Muskmelon Waste Seed Biodiesel Blends

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">This research investigates the potential of muskmelon waste seed biodiesel (MWSB) enhanced with graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles as an alternative fuel for diesel engines. The study focuses on transesterifying waste seed oil from muskmelon fruits to produce biodiesel suitable for common rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engines. The addition of GO nanoparticles serves as a combustion enhancer, aiming to improve engine performance and reduce emissions. The test fuels included pure diesel, MWSB, and MWSB blends with 10 ppm and 20 ppm of GO nanoparticles. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in emissions when GO nanoparticles were added to the MWSB. Specifically, the MWSB+GO20 ppm blend achieved reductions in smoke, hydrocarbon (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by 16.66%, 26.19%, and 45.33%, respectively, compared to diesel at maximum brake power (5.5 kW). However, this blend also resulted in a 7.4% increase in oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions at maximum brake power. The study highlights the role of GO's extensive surface area and oxygenated functional groups in enhancing combustion efficiency, which contributes to the reduction of incomplete combustion byproducts such as CO and HC. Despite the increase in NOx emissions, the overall findings suggest that incorporating GO nanoparticles into MWSB can significantly reduce harmful emissions, offering a promising alternative for diesel engines. This work opens up intriguing possibilities for the use of GO nanoparticles in enhancing biodiesel mixtures, potentially leading to more sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel options for diesel engines.</div></div>