Diesel-biodiesel blends using nanoparticles with dispersants: Combustion, performance, and emissions analysis

The increasing global energy requirement is likely to exacerbate environmental pollution, hence the need to explore cleaner alternative fuels. Biodiesel, especially when formulated with nanoparticles, has been found to enhance combustion efficiency and emission reduction in diesel engines. Nanoparticles have a high surface area-to-volume ratio and display distinct thermal and chemical properties that promote fuel-air mixing, combustion, and emissions behavior. The present work explores the influence of incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs), zinc oxide (ZnO), and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles each at a concentration of 50 ppm into a rapeseed biodiesel blend (R20: 80 % diesel and 20 % biodiesel). Nanoparticle-fuel mixture blends were prepared through ultrasonication with a surfactant stabilizer and then tested on a single-cylinder diesel engine at 1500 rpm engine speed. The findings indicated that the R20 + CNT 50 ppm blend registered the maximum BTE and minimum BSFC compared to the R20 and pure diesel. Emission analysis indicated a significant reduction in CO and particulate matter emission but an increase in NOx emission, which was related to higher combustion temperatures. ZnO and Al₂O₃ also enhanced fuel atomization and combustion but were marginally less effective than CNTs. This work proves that nanoparticle-formulated biodiesel blends, especially with the incorporation of CNTs, can considerably enhance engine performance and emissions reduction due to incomplete combustion though measures to manage NOx will be critical to its widespread acceptance.