The influence of single and multi-carbon nanotubes as additives in diesel-biodiesel fuel blends on diesel engine combustion characteristics, performance, and emissions

Abstract

The introduction of biodiesel as a suitable alternative fuel has been made in response to the issues with fossil fuels, such as their overconsumption, threats to the environment, and rising costs. Researchers have therefore been interested in locating new sources for the manufacture of biodiesel. Additionally, due to their exceptional qualities, carbon nanotubes have attracted attention in other fields. The current study aims to examine the impact of single and multi-carbon nanotubes (SCNT and MCNT) as an additive at 25, 50, and 75 ppm on diesel engine combustion characteristics, performance, and emissions. The base fuel is a blend of pure diesel and biodiesel (B5, B10, B15, and B20). Nanotubes were created, TEM and XRD analyzed, and ultrasonically blended with diesel + biodiesel blends at 25, 50, and 75 ppm. When MCNT and SCNT are added to fuel blends, peak pressure rise and heat release rates increase by up to 18.88% and 19.65%, respectively. Increased carbon nanotube content in fuel 10 blends enhanced brake power, torque and BTE by 4.7–4.8%, 3.1–3.2% and 0.2–5.2%, respectively, while lowering brake-specific fuel consumption by 6.5–6.9%. HC, CO2, and NO x emissions were also higher by 0.2–5.2%, 0.5–8.7% and 0.3–6.8%, respectively.