Novel environmentally friendly fuel: The effect of adding graphene quantum dot (GQD) nanoparticles with ethanol-biodiesel blends on the performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine

Biodiesel fuel has some disadvantages including increase in NOx, poor atomization and incomplete combustion. Additives and catalysts can be used to reduce the negative effects of biodiesel fuel. In addition, the use of metal oxide and metal nanoparticles causes environmental hazards. However, using biodegradable nanoparticles can significantly reduce such concerns. The present study investigated the effect of adding GQD + E to B10 fuel on the emission and performance characteristics of a diesel engine. B10 was blended with GQD (90 ppm) and bioethanol (E2, E4, E6 and E8% vol). Performance and emission characteristics, including power, torque, SFC, CO, CO2, UHC and NOx emissions were measured at the speeds of 1800, 2100 and 2400 rpm and full load mode. According to the results, the addition of GQD + E to B10 improved torque and power and decreased SFC, CO, UHC and NOx. Finally, the B10 + E6 + GQD90 fuel was the best fuel regarding improved engine performance and reduced exhaust emission. The average of changes in power and torque, SFC, CO, UHC and NO R compared to D100 for B10 + E6 + GQD90 were + 15.69%, +15.39%, -17.58%, -30.30%, -38.91% and -1.54%, respectively.

Automated summary

The study found that adding GQD + E to B10 fuel improved torque and power of the engine while reducing SFC, CO, UHC, and NOx emissions. The fuel blend of B10 + E6 + GQD90 performed the best in terms of engine performance enhancement and exhaust emission reduction.