Hydrothermally engineered Ni–CuC hybrid nanocomposites: Structural and morphological investigations with potential fuel catalytic applications

Abstract

Increasing travel demand, incomplete combustion of fuel in an engine, vehicle exhaust emissions such as NOx, CO and particular matter and global warming urge the fuel modification methods by using nano additives and alternative fuel. Suitable preparation method, characterization and fuel additive application of nickel-copper-carbide nanocomposite (Ni–CuC NC) have been rarely reported due to lack of research. On this ground, the present research illustrated the synthesis of nickel-copper bimetallic nanoparticles (Ni–Cu BNPs) with copper chloride (CuCl 2 ) and nickel nitrate (Ni(NO 3 ) 2 ·6H 2 O) salt precursors in the presence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Followed by the reinforcement of calcium carbide (CaC 2 ) with Ni–Cu BNPs to prepare Ni–CuC nanocomposite via hydrothermal approach. Structural composition and morphological analysis of the Ni–CuC nanocomposite was studied by XRD and SEM respectively. Physical and combustion fuel properties were investigated at 20, 40, 60 and 80 ppm concentration of Ni–Cu BNPs and Ni–CuC nanocomposite respectively for fuel-efficiency. Flash and fire point of diesel fuel in the absence of additives was observed as 78 and 82 °C respectively. Whereas, 80 ppm fuel blend of Ni–CuC and Ni–Cu show a remarkable decrease in flash point up to 69 and 72 °C respectively. The decreasing trend for fire point observed up to 72 and 74 °C respectively. A tremendous recorded decrease in kinematic viscosity was 1.51 and 1.75 m 2 /s with Ni–CuC and Ni–Cu. Ni–Cu BNPs and Ni–CuC nanocomposite in term of fuel efficiency and environment friendly emission could be recognized as potential candidates in diesel. Future work on Ni–Cu BNPs and Ni–CuC nanocomposite as fuel additives for enhancing fuel or biofuel parameters as a photocatalyst for various dye removal in wastewater treatment, as sensing agent in sensing technology as well as for chemical reaction catalysis could be encouraged. • Ni–Cu and Ni–CuC are prepared by fast and low-cost hydrothermal method. • Structural and morphological analysis of Ni–CuC NC was observed with XRD and SEM. • Ni–CuC show better effects on physio-chemical properties of diesel than Ni–Cu. • Ni–CuC blend show decreased flash and fire point values of 70 and 72 °C at 80 ppm. • Ni–CuC decreased the diesel's viscosity up to 1.51 mm 2 /s.