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Nanotechnology

Nanoparticles Improve Biodiesel Engine Performance and Emissions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education have investigated the use of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) emulsification and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles as additives in biodiesel engines. The study found that the combination of H2O2 and CeO2 nanoparticles improved the performance and reduced emissions of the biodiesel engine. The maximum brake thermal efficiency (BTE) was observed at 75% load and 1.5% H2O2 concentration, with an average improvement of 1.2% in BTE over neat B20. The average reduction in CO and HC emissions for 1.5% H2O2 emulsification over neat B20 was 56-60% and 41-48% respectively. For the H2O2 concentration of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, the average decrease in NOx compared to B20 fuel was 5.6%, 16.1%, and 22.7% respectively. The study also found that increasing the nanoparticle concentration from 40 ppm to 80 ppm decreased emissions and improved BTE but had a significantly lower impact compared to the effect of H2O2 emulsification.

Key Takeaways:

  • The use of H2O2 emulsification and CeO2 nanoparticles in biodiesel engines improved the performance and reduced emissions of the engine.
  • The maximum BTE was observed at 75% load and 1.5% H2O2 concentration, with an average improvement of 1.2% in BTE over neat B20.
  • The average reduction in CO and HC emissions for 1.5% H2O2 emulsification over neat B20 was 56-60% and 41-48% respectively.
  • Increasing the nanoparticle concentration from 40 ppm to 80 ppm decreased emissions and improved BTE but had a significantly lower impact compared to the effect of H2O2 emulsification.
  • The study concluded that H2O2 is an active carrier of O2 and .OH radicals, which has a more dominant effect in improving combustion and reducing emissions.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Fuel.

Statistics:

  • Maximum BTE: 75% load, 1.5% H2O2 concentration (average improvement of 1.2% in BTE over neat B20).
  • Average reduction in CO emissions for 1.5% H2O2 emulsification over neat B20: 56-60%.
  • Average reduction in HC emissions for 1.5% H2O2 emulsification over neat B20: 41-48%.
  • Average decrease in NOx for 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% H2O2 concentration: 5.6%, 16.1%, and 22.7% respectively.
  • Nanoparticle concentration: 40 ppm to 80 ppm.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Nanoparticles Findings Has Been Reported by Investigators at Manipal Academy of Higher Education [Performance and Emissions of Biodiesel Engine With Hydrogen Peroxide Emulsification and Cerium Oxide (Ceo2) Nanoparticle Additives]. Biotech Week. July 6, 2022; p 534.
  • Performance and Emissions of Biodiesel Engine With Hydrogen Peroxide Emulsification and Cerium Oxide (Ceo2) Nanoparticle Additives. Fuel, 2022;319:123872.

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