Combustion and emission characteristics of spark and compression ignition engine fueled with 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF): A comprehensive review

The environmental pollution and the depletion of fossil energy sources in recent years have been considered as a global hot-button topic, urging the scientists, managers, and policymakers to search sustainable and green energy sources. In the progress of developing the alternative fuels, biomass-derived biofuels are believed to be potential and renewable platform substances, of which 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) is known as a critical chemical and a promising green fuel because the DMF properties are similar to those of fossil fuels and DMF could be generated from renewable carbohydrates via the process of catalytic conversion. In this review paper, a thorough analysis and a stark comparison of the reaction pathways supported by various catalysts were presented to fully understand the process of DMF production from current biomass. Furthermore, the oxidation and pyrolysis mechanisms of DMF under various initial conditions were critically discussed to explain the pathway of emission formation in the engines as well. More importantly, the characteristics of combustion and emission formation of both spark ignition (SI) and compression ignition (CI) engines running on DMF-based fuels were evaluated and compared to other fuels in detail. In closing, DMF could become potential fuel for both SI and CI engines; however, the optimization of the production process to attain low-price DMF aiming to satisfy the commercialization strategy is necessary before applying DMF to the wide range.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the production process and properties of DMF derived from biomass, as well as the oxidation, pyrolysis mechanisms, and combustion characteristics of DMF in engines. DMF could potentially become a fuel for both SI and CI engines, but optimization of the production process is necessary before application.