Nano-Additive Applications in Diesel Engine Performance and Emissions
Summary
Advances in nanotechnology have opened new avenues for enhancing the combustion, efficiency and emission profile of diesel engines. By dispersing nano‐scale additives—such as carbon‐based materials, metal oxides and hybrid catalysts—within diesel or biodiesel blends, researchers aim to improve fuel atomisation, accelerate heat and mass transfer, and promote more complete oxidation of hydrocarbon chains. These effects manifest as increases in brake thermal efficiency, reductions in specific fuel consumption and significant decreases in regulated pollutants including nitrogen oxides (NOx), unburnt hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter. Nano‐additives also serve as in‐fuel catalysts or oxygen buffers, smoothing combustion phasing and lowering peak temperatures that drive NOx formation. Practical applications span transportation, power generation and distributed energy systems, with a global imperative to reconcile diesel’s high energy density and durability with ever‐more stringent emission regulations. Recent investigations have demonstrated that selecting the right particle composition, concentration and dispersion method is critical to optimising performance gains and ensuring long‐term stability under engine operating conditions.
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Nano-Additive Applications in Diesel Engine Performance and Emissions publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in nano-additive applications in diesel engine performance and emissions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Nano-additive: Nano-scale particles introduced into fuel to alter thermophysical and chemical properties, enhancing combustion and lowering emissions.
Brake thermal efficiency (BTE): The ratio of useful mechanical work output to the chemical energy input of the fuel, expressed as a percentage.
Brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC): The mass of fuel consumed per unit of brake power produced, typically measured in g kWh⁻¹.
Reduced graphene oxide (rGO): A partially restored form of graphene with oxygen functionalities removed to improve electrical and thermal conductivity.
Carbon nanotube (CNT): Cylindrical carbon allotropes with high surface area and thermal conductivity used to enhance fuel atomisation and combustion.
Cerium oxide (CeO2): A metal-oxide nanoparticle that acts as a combustion catalyst and oxygen buffer, promoting pollutant oxidation.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx): A group of reactive gases (NO, NO2) formed at high combustion temperatures, regulated due to their role in smog and acid rain.
Hydrocarbons (HC): Unburnt or partially burnt fuel components that contribute to smog formation and are regulated as engine emissions.
References
- Enhancing diesel engine performance and emissions control with reduced Graphene oxide and Non-Edible biodiesel blends. Energy Conversion and Management X (2024).
- Impact of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Oxide Nanomaterials on the Performance and Emissions of Diesel Engine Fueled with Diesel/Biodiesel Blend. Processes (2023).
- Spray and engine performance of cerium oxide nanopowder and carbon nanotubes modified alternative fuel. Fuel (2022).
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