The effect of nano-biochar on the performance and emissions of a diesel engine fueled with fusel oil-diesel fuel

Extensive use of fossil-fuel energy has led to environmental problems such as climate change and global warming. Therefore, the need for environmentally friendly fuels has become urgent. The conversion of waste biomass to useful fuels is seems to be most effective and low-cost way to obtain renewable and clean fuels. Fuel additives are another promising solution to reduce harmful emissions resulted from vehicles. Although different nano-metal additives have been reported for reducing the emission of diesel engine, growing concerns have emerged regarding their toxic effects on living organisms and environmental impact. Utilizing bio-based nano additives can remarkably reduce these concerns. Fusel oil and sugarcane bagasse are the main by-products of sugarcane industries. Sugarcane nano-biochar (SNB), as a bagasse-based nanoparticle, is an excellent candidate for substituting conventional metallic-based fuel additives. The present work, for the first time, highlights the influence of fusel oil ratio, sugarcane nano-biochar concentration, and the engine speed on the engine performance and exhaust emission characteristics of a diesel engine operated at full-load. The optimal value of parameters for engine performance and exhaust emissions achieved by using the Response Surface Method (RSM). A blend of 10% fusel oil, a concentration of 100 ppm SNBs, and an engine speed of 2300 rpm were found to be optimal values with a maximum desirability value of 66%. In addition, fusel oil/SNBs usage decreased NOx and UHC emissions up to similar to 20.51% and similar to 14.6%, respectively, while increased CO emissions up to similar to 33%.