Intensification of bio-synthesis of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles derived from novel Crescentia Cujete fruits: Effects on diesel engine characteristics powered by waste engine oil methyl ester-diesel blend

Abstract

The current Study focuses on a biosynthesis of Zirconium Oxide nano-additives (ZrO2) from the novel Crescentia Cujete fruits, which is simpler, non-hazardous, and ecologically friendly technique when compared to the complex chemical methods. The first phase discussed the characterization of Zirconium oxide nano-particles. Fourier Transform- Infra Red analysis revealed that phenolic compounds with OH stretching vibrations caused the compound's absorption peak at 3434 cm−1. Scanning Electron Microscope analysis revealed the existence of trigonal and spherical forms in the green ZrO2 nanocomposite. The UV–Visible spectrum analysis of the Calabash fruit extract revealed a prominent maximum absorbance at 361nm. The second phase examined the effects of using biodiesel made from used engine oil along with a bio-synthesized nano-additives zirconium oxide on the efficiency and emission characteristics of a diesel engine. The experimental results revealed that Zirconium oxide nano-additives reduced brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) in waste engine oil methyl ester (WEOME25) fuel blend. WEOME25 with ZrO2 nano-particles increases BTE by 1.7% at 50ppm, 3.41% at 75ppm, and 3.91% at 100ppm. WEOME25+ZrO2 at 50ppm, 75ppm, and 100ppm increased cylinder pressure by 1.38%, 2.21%, and 1.87%, respectively. Zirconia nano additions boost combustion and reduce HC, CO and Smoke emissions except NOx emission.