Use Of Fuels Research Articles

Fuelling the future of medical radioisotope production

Radioisotopes are typically produced in research reactors, which require a regular supply of nuclear fuel. Researchers in the EU-QUALIFY project are working to qualify low-enriched uranium nuclear fuels for use in European research reactors, helping maintain Europe’s capability to produce medical radioisotopes for both diagnostic and imaging purposes, as Jared Wight explains.

Evaluation of the Applicability of Synthetic Fuels and Their Life Cycle Analyses

This paper summarizes the findings of a detailed assessment of synthetic, electricity-based fuels for use in aviation, shipping, and road transport. The fuels considered correspond to the most promising alternatives that were analyzed as part of the German research project BEniVer (Begleitforschung Energiewende im Verkehr—Accompanying Research for the Energy Transition in Transport) initiated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Focusing on usage, infrastructure, and ecological analyses, several e-fuels were evaluated and compared to fossil fuels according to the specific sector. It turns out that for all sectors evaluated, the existing sustainable synthetic fuels are already compatible with current technology and regulations. In shipping and road transport, the use of advanced, sustainable fuels will allow for a more distinct reduction in emissions once technology and regulations are adopted. However, standard-compliant synthetic gasoline and diesel are considered the most promising fuels for use in road transport if the transition to electricity is not realized as quickly as planned. For the aviation sector, the number of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) is limited. Here, the current aim is the introduction of a 100% SAF as soon as possible to also tackle non-CO2 emissions.

Preventing Pt Catalysts in PEM Fuel Cells from CO Poisoning by Getting COPROX to Work

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells still require CO-scrubbed H2 feedstreams to sustain long-duration performance. Sufficiently CO-free H2 costs an order of magnitude more than steam refining fossil fuels to generate H2—and until green processes produce the bulk of H2, preferential oxidation of CO from H2-rich feedstreams, also known as COPROX, is a necessity. We design architected catalytic platforms as ultraporous metal nanoparticle–modified oxide aerogels in which a covalently bonded oxide nanoparticulate network (NPs) supports comparably sized catalytic nanoparticles (NPs). The degree of physical and chemical interfacial intimacy stabilizes the more catalytically active low valent state of Cu and the ultraporous catalytic platform demonstrates high activity and on-stream durability for thermal catalysis of CO [1]. We then evaluate the selectivity and activity of this architected catalyst and a related aerogel, Cu/GdxCe1–xO2, for preferential oxidation of CO (COPROX) in H2 feedstreams. The catalysts convert >95% of CO at temperatures that prevent oxidation (consumption) of the H2 fuel (a purification reaction necessary to prevent poisoning of the anode catalysts in H2 fuel cells). The architected Cu/ceria catalysts achieve >95% selectivity vs. H2 and maintain this unprecedented activity for >16 h at 100°C in dry or humidified feedstreams [2,3]. The ability to purify H2 from steam-reformed fuels for use in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells increases power source flexibility as the world transitions to more sustainable, carbon-neutral routes to highly purified H2.[1] Stabilization of reduced copper on ceria aerogels for CO oxidation. C. L. Pitman, A. M. Pennington, T. H. Brintlinger, D. E. Barlow, L. F. Esparraguera, R. M. Stroud, J. J. Pietron, P. A. DeSario, D. R. Rolison, Nanoscale Adv. 2020, 2, 4547–4556 (10.1039/D0NA00594K).[2] Preferential oxidation of CO in H2-containing gas. T.G. Novak, D.R. Rolison, P.A. DeSario, US Patent Application, filed Jan 27, 2023 [Navy Case #210,945].[3] Cu/CeO2 and Cu/Gd-substituted CeO2 aerogels for active, selective, and stable COPROX catalysis. T.G. Novak, P.A. DeSario, T.H. Brintlinger, R.H. DeBlock, J.W. Long, and D.R. Rolison, ACS Sus. Chem. Eng. 2023, 11, 2853–2860 (10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c06158).

Investigation of cellularization characteristics of hydrogen-methane-ethanol expanding spherical flame at elevated pressures

The incorporation of ethanol into hydrocarbon fuels for use is attracting increasing interest and it is necessary to investigate its inherent flame instability for better application in combustion units. The instability of hydrogen-methane-ethanol spherically expanding flame has been investigated at an initial temperature of 400 K, initial pressures of (2–4 bar), ethanol fraction of (20%, 50%, 80%), and equivalence ratios (Ф) of (0.7–1.4) using the constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC). High-speed schlieren technology was used to record flame propagation images. The effects of hydrodynamic and thermal-diffusion effect on the inherent instability of the flame were investigated. As the ethanol ratio increased, the hydrodynamic effect was enhanced. The thermal-diffusion effect was discovered to stabilize the flame surface under all conditions, as judged jointly by the effective Lewis number and the critical Lewis number. The critical conditions (critical radius and Peclet number) at the onset of unstability were evaluated, and it was found that the flames were more prone to flame instability at higher pressures. The critical Peclet number increased with the increase in the equivalence ratio when the ethanol ratio was 20%, and showed the opposite trend when the ethanol ratio was 50% and 80%. In addition, as the ethanol ratio increases, the stability of the lean mixtures flame increases, while the rich mixtures flame suffers from early onset of instability. The theoretical and experimental results were consistent, with some differences at Ф = 1.4. An empirical correlation formula for the critical Peclet number (Pec) and Markstein number (Mb) was further proposed (Pec= 18.03Mb+214.78). Finally, the Karlovitz number was used to study the instability behavior of the flame. The critical Karlovitz number (Kac) decreased with increasing Mb and the tendency of the flame to suffer from instability diminished, and the following correlation was obtained Kac=0.05635×e−0.13852Mb. Furthermore, the flame was more unstable in rich mixtures, this was consistent with the conclusion of instability derived from the critical radius.

System analysis and requirements derivation of a hydrogen-electric aircraft powertrain

In contrast to sustainable aviation fuels for use in conventional combustion engines, hydrogen-electric powertrains constitute a fundamentally novel approach that requires extensive effort from various engineering disciplines. A transient system analysis has been applied to a 500 kW shaft-power-class powertrain. The model was fed with high-level system requirements to gain a fundamental understanding of the interaction between sub-systems and components. Transient effects, such as delays in pressure build up, heat transfer and valve operation, substantially impact the safe and continuous operation of the propulsion system throughout a typical mission profile, which is based on the Daher TBM850. The lumped-parameters network solver provides results quickly, which are used to derive requirements for subsystems and components, which support their in-depth future development. E.g. heat exchanger transfer rates and pressure drop of the motor's novel hydrogen cooling system are established. Furthermore, improvements to the system architecture, such as a compartmentalization of the tank, are identified.

Unraveling the electrocatalytic reduction mechanism of enols on copper in aqueous media

Deoxygenation of aldehydes and their tautomers to alkenes and alkanes has implications in refining biomass-derived fuels for use as transportation fuel. Electrochemical deoxygenation in ambient, aqueous solution is also a potential green synthesis strategy for terminal olefins. In this manuscript, direct electrochemical conversion of vinyl alcohol and acetaldehyde on polycrystalline Cu to ethanol, ethylene and ethane; and propenol and propionaldehyde to propanol, propene and propane is reported. Sensitive detection was achieved using a rotating disk electrode coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In-situ attenuated total reflection surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy, and in-situ Raman spectroscopy confirmed the adsorption of the vinyl alcohol. Calculations using canonical and grand-canonical density functional theory and experimental findings suggest that the rate-determining step for ethylene and ethane formation is an electron transfer step to the adsorbed vinyl alcohol. Finally, we extend our conclusions to the enol reaction from higher-order soluble aldehyde and ketone. The products observed from the reduction reaction also sheds insights into plausible reaction pathways of CO2 to C2 and C3 products.

Production of Biofuels from Biomass as an Approach Towards Sustainable Development: A Short Review

Alternative fuels reduce the carbon footprint of internal combustion engines. Biofuels are the most important alternative fuels. Manufacturing processes for biofuels have made it possible to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from well to wheel. There are a number of popular alternative fuels for use in internal combustion (IC) engines, including biodiesel, bioethanol, and bio methanol. Biodiesel and petroleum diesel fuel blends in compression ignition (CI) engines have received a lot of attention. Biofuel is any liquid fuel derived from "biomass," such as plants and animal waste. Biofuels replace gasoline and diesel. Biofuels are promising because the carbon dioxide (CO2) they emit is recycled through the environment. Biofuel plants collect CO2 from the air and release it when burned. In principle, biofuels can be a "carbon neutral" or "carbon negative" means to power automobiles, trucks, and planes. Biofuels can reduce CO2 emissions without requiring many infrastructural changes. They can be used in existing cars and mass-produced from biomass like chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Future biofuels may be moved using current pipelines. Making carbon-neutral biofuels is difficult. Fermentation, processing energy, transportation, and even plant nutrients can produce CO2 and other greenhouse gases before biofuels are consumed. Biomass agriculture can have climate consequences if it replaces CO2-storing woods. How biofuels are generated and used affects their potential as a climate solution.

The thermal stability of fluorine modified and nickel modified aluminum-based active fuel

The addition of F and Ni modification of Al can significantly enhance the ignition and combustion properties of the propellants. DSC/TGA was used to obtain the reaction thermodynamic process of Al, Al95-PTFE5 (containing Al-polytetrafluoroethylene composites), and Al95-Ni5 (containing Al and Ni composites). The addition of F and Ni greatly increased the mass percentage and exotherm of Al in the first stage (about 580–680 °C), which caused a decrease in temperature that might trigger ignition. Considering the initial reaction temperature and heat release that might trigger ignition, the thermal stability was ranked as Al > Al95-Ni5 > Al95-PTFE5. The activation energy values of the first stage were ranked as Al95-PTFE5 > Al > Al95-Ni5. In addition, the saturated moisture state significantly affected the thermal stability of the nickel-modified aluminum-based active fuel and reduced the thermal stability of Al95-Ni5 at a constant temperature of 30 °C and 50 °C. The conclusions obtained from this study can substantially improve the safety of aluminum and aluminum-based active fuels in use.

Air Pollution, Ultrafine Particles, and Your Brain: Are Combustion Nanoparticle Emissions and Engineered Nanoparticles Causing Preventable Fatal Neurodegenerative Diseases and Common Neuropsychiatric Outcomes?

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) pollution damages the human brain. Fossil fuel burning for transportation energy accounts for a significant fraction of urban air and climate pollution. While current United States (US) standards limit PM ambient concentrations and emissions, they do not regulate explicitly ultrafine particles (UFP ≤ 100 nm in diameter). There is a growing body of evidence suggesting UFP may play a bigger role inflicting adverse health impacts than has been recognized, and in this perspective, we highlight effects on the brain, particularly of young individuals. UFP penetrate the body through nasal/olfactory, respiratory, gastrointestinal, placenta, and brain-blood barriers, translocating in the bloodstream and reaching the glymphatic and central nervous systems. We discuss one case study. The 21.8 million residents in the Metropolitan Mexico City (MMC) are regularly exposed to fine PM (PM2.5) above the US 12 μg/m3 annual average standards. Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) pathologies and nanoparticles (NP ≤ 50 nm in diameter) in critical brain organelles have been documented in MMC children and young adult autopsies. MMC young residents have cognitive and olfaction deficits, altered gait and equilibrium, brainstem auditory evoked potentials, and sleep disorders. Higher risk of AD and vascular dementia associated with residency close to high traffic roadways have been documented. The US is not ready or prepared to adopt ambient air quality or emission standards for UFP and will continue to focus regulations only on the total mass of PM2.5 and PM10. Thus, this approach raises the question: are we dropping the ball? As research continues to answer the remaining questions about UFP sources, exposures, impacts, and controls, the precautionary principle should call us to accelerate and expand policy interventions to abate or eliminate UFP emissions and to mitigate UFP exposures. For residents of highly polluted cities, particularly in the developing world where there is likely older and dirtier vehicles, equipment, and fuels in use and less regulatory oversight, we should embark in a strong campaign to raise public awareness of the associations between high PM pollution, heavy traffic, UFP, NP, and neuropsychiatric outcomes, including dementia. Neurodegenerative diseases evolving from childhood in polluted, anthropogenic, and industrial environments ought to be preventable.

Ruling the waves? Future of H2 and fuel cells in shipping

Clean energy expert Adam Forsyth from Longspur Capital assesses the competing merits of hydrogen, methanol and other sustainable fuels for use in the shipping industry – and the significant role fuel cells could play in decarbonising this sector.

Challenges and opportunities to alloyed and composite fuel architectures to mitigate high uranium density fuel oxidation: Uranium mononitride

The challenges and opportunities to alloyed and composite fuel architectures designed and intended to mitigate oxidation of the fuel during a cladding breech of a water-cooled reactor are discussed in three review manuscripts developed in parallel, with the presented article focused on the oxidation performance of uranium mononitride. Several high uranium density fuels are under consideration for deployment as accident tolerant and/or advanced technology nuclear reactor fuels, including one on each: UN, U 3 Si 2 , UC and UB 2 . Presented here is the research motivation for the incorporation of additives, dopants , or composite fuel architectures to improve the oxidation/corrosion behavior of high uranium density nuclear fuels for use in LWRs. Furthermore, this review covers the literature on the degradation modes, thermodynamics, and oxidation performance of pure UN and UN-compounds as well as reported alloyed and composite architectures.

Effect of exhaust gas recirculation on the performance and emission characteristics of a DI‐CI engine fueled with butanol/diesel blends

AbstractThe rapid consumption of fossil fuels, ever rising energy demand, and rigorous emission norms have been attracting the attention of researchers toward clean renewable fuels such as alcohol‐based fuels. Higher chain alcohol fuels are attractive alternative fuels for use in diesel engine. A higher chain alcohol (butanol, pentanol, etc.,) has better blending properties, higher calorific value, and higher cetane number than the lower chain alcohol. Alcohol fuels can be produced from the biomass. Therefore, it is important to examine the fuel, as well as its blends with diesel fuel in diesel engine for the engine characteristics. The present paper aims at studying the performance characteristics of a DI‐CI engine using butanol/diesel (B/D) blends with and without exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Experiments were performed on a single cylinder CI engine with two different B/D blends (20% and 40% by volume of butanol in the mixture—denoted as a Bu20 and Bu40), with different EGR rates (0%–30% in steps of 10%). The experimental results showed that the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) improved by 1.1% and 1.25% for Bu20 and Bu40 blends in comparison with Bu00. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions reduced by 7.9%, 12.9% for Bu20 and Bu40 blends compared Bu00 respectively. Similarly, the soot emission decreased by 18% and 40.9% for Bu20 and Bu40 compared to Bu00. With the use of EGR, the NOx emissions significantly decreased. At 30% of EGR rate, the NOx emission reduced by 53.9%, 60.2%, and 67% for Bu00, Bu20, and Bu40, respectively. The soot emissions increased slightly at lower EGR rates of 0% to 20%. However, the soot emissions increased drastically at higher EGR rates for all the B/D blends. It is concluded that a combination of higher fraction of B/D blends along with a small EGR rate, can achieve lower emissions (soot and NOx) with a small penalty on the engine performance.

Challenges and opportunities to alloyed and composite fuel architectures to mitigate high uranium density fuel oxidation: uranium silicide

The challenges and opportunities to alloyed and composite fuel architectures designed and intended to mitigate oxidation of the fuel during a cladding breech of a water-cooled reactor are discussed in three review manuscripts developed in parallel, with the presented article focused on the oxidation performance of uranium silicide. Several high uranium density fuels are under consideration for deployment as accident tolerant and/or advanced technology nuclear reactor fuels, including UN, U 3 Si 2 , UC and UB 2 . Presented here are the literature for the U 3 Si 2 degradation modes, thermodynamics, and oxidation performance of the pure compound and its reported alloyed and composite architectures. Furthermore, this review covers the materials and techniques for the incorporation of additives, dopants, or composite fuel architectures to improve the oxidation/corrosion behavior for high uranium density fuels for use in LWRs.

Catalytic Pyrolysis in Waste to Energy Recovery Applications: A Review

The review examines the subject matter of catalytic pyrolysis, which is an upgrade on both the operation and output of the thermal pyrolysis process, capable of producing liquid oil products of a higher quality and yield compared to the thermal process, at reduced thermal and energetic demands. The use of catalysts plays a major role in increasing cracking activity and subsequent decomposition reactions, in attaining more desirable aromatic products. The properties, types, classes, loading mechanisms of catalyst as well as modification techniques are delved into in detail in asserting what makes catalyst efficient and effective in improving the pyrolysis process for different organic and inorganic feedstock materials. The catalytic pyrolysis of biomass substrates, which is an area less documented on was also examined, the effect of acidic zeolite catalyst on the process, mechanism, and end product of the pyrolysis process were examined in detail. Post-treatment techniques for the upgrading of liquid oil products were examined ranging from refining, filtration, distillation, and blending with conventional hydrocarbon fuels for use in different applications such as transport fuel deployment and utility generation.

Evaluating the microstructure and origin of nonmetallic inclusions in as-cast U-10Mo fuel

Low enriched uranium alloyed with 10 wt. % molybdenum (U-10Mo) has been identified as a promising alternative to highly enriched uranium oxide dispersion fuels for use in high performance research and test reactors. Manufacturing U-10Mo alloy fuel involves several complex thermomechanical processing steps and understanding of the microstructure and its evolution throughout the various fabrication steps is critical to enable the deployment of a reliable fuel production capability. Nonmetallic inclusions are often found in U castings and may affect subsequent fuel processing steps and microstructure evolution. Yet, the origin of these inclusions is not well established. To elucidate their origin and formation mechanisms, nonmetallic inclusions in U-10Mo castings were characterized on sub-nanometer to millimeter scale. Inclusion distribution, morphology, size, and composition were determined for the metallic fuel samples. Inclusions were estimated to comprise ~ 0.4 % of the fuel (by area), were identified at both grain boundaries and grain interiors, and were found to have varying morphologies (e.g., core-shell, elongated, blocky). All inclusions were either uranium carbides or oxides, or a combination of the two (i.e., dual-phase inclusions). Analysis of inclusions via atom probe tomography revealed that carbides and oxides were hypostoichiometric, with minor amounts of additional impurity elements present (e.g., Si, H). All analyzed inclusions were found to be enriched to ~20 at. % 235U, consistent with the surrounding γ-UMo matrix and target enrichment for the low enriched U fuel, indicating that the inclusions formed during the downblending of highly enriched U metal with depleted U via the melting and casting processes.

Combustion and Flame Front Morphology Characterization of H2–CO Syngas Blends in Constant Volume Combustion Bombs

The need to develop new, alternative, and bio-origin fuels for use in internal combustion engines has motivated the realization of this research, which aims to characterize the combustion process synthesis gas, represented by H2–CO blends, which are its main constituents. Syngas can be considered a biofuel because it is a mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and other hydrocarbons, and it is formed by partial combustion of biomass. Experimental tests have been developed in two constant volume combustion bombs with spherical and cylindrical geometries to analyze the combustion process and the influence of the blend composition on the burning velocity. In the first one, the pressure registered during the combustion has been used to obtain the mass burning rate, temperatures, and burning velocities. The cylindrical bomb has two optical accesses through which the combustion process can be visualized and recorded with the Schlieren technique, and it has been used to characterize the morphology of the flame, the evolution of the flame front, or the laminar burning velocities, among other parameters of interest in the combustion process. For initial conditions of 0.1 MPa and 300 K, blends with different compositions and equivalence ratios have been studied. The introduction of hydrogen enhances combustion velocity and pressure, introducing also instabilities visible on flame front images, similar effects to those produced by increasing the equivalence ratio. Regarding the morphology of the flames, note that the tend to wrinkle and the cellularity increases as the hydrogen content of the mixture increases and the equivalence ratio decreases. The dependence of the numerical values of burning velocity has been expressed as a correlation on pressure and temperature. Finally, comparing the results of the burning velocities obtained in the spherical bomb and in the cylindrical bomb with those of different authors of the bibliography has checked the consistency and validity of them. Results of syngas blends are essential for the validation, optimization, and development of kinetic models for combustion development.

The framing of a sustainable development goals assessment in decarbonizing the construction industry – Avoiding “Greenwashing”

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the establishment of a robust framework for the assessment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in businesses, using the construction industry as an example and with the primary focus on combating climate change (SDG 13). We provide a critical analysis of a selection of relatively widely used SDG impact assessment tools, combined with a case study from the construction industry to explore how a meaningful SDG assessment can be framed with linkages between SDG 13 and other related SDGs.Our analysis points towards the importance of framing SDG assessments in a way that discourages “Greenwashing”. Any SDG assessment that relates to climate targets in line with the Paris Agreement should identify the processes and activities that can be expected to be particularly challenging in terms of their abatement. In our road construction work case, we identify four such hard-to-abate activities: 1) introducing biomass for renewable transportation fuels for use in construction equipment and heavy transport; 2) electrification of transport and industrial processes; 3) substitution as part of transitioning from fossil fuel use; and 4) applying carbon capture and storage technologies in the production of basic materials, such as cement and steel. The approach applied will avoid that businesses only focus on SDGs in situations where they are already performing well or can apply low-cost measures or that they only relate to the part of the supply chain that pertains to their own business (Scope 1 emissions). For an SDG assessment to provide basis for informed decisions regarding real change towards more sustainable and equitable corporate practices it should: (i) identify and include concrete measures to align with the terms of the Paris Agreement; (ii) include relevant value chains; and (iii) consider both the short-term and long-term effects of strategic choices.

Impact of Community Biogas Plant Implemented by Rural Development Academy in Rural Areas of Bogura, Bangladesh

This paper determined the impact of community biogas plant implemented by rural development academy in rural areas of Bogura, Bangladesh. Data were collected by structured questionnaire having open and closed form questions. Researchers collected data with the help of BCS health care foundation trainees from the selected 68 families who were the direct beneficiaries of community biogas plant. Focus group discussion and information from union parishad were also taken into consideration. The research found that biogas plant is useful to produce a renewable, high-quality fuel i.e. biogas which is using as a alternative of biomass fuels (firewood and dried dung) for meeting energy utilization demands. In the past fuel demand was fulfilled by deforestation and land degradation which results in different health and societal problems and also cause excessive emission of greenhouse gases. Biogas is used for cooking, lighting, heating and feedstock etc while slurry of biogas increases soil fertility and taste of foods. Number of cattle also increases for biogas plants. The biogas production derives from various agricultural resources, such as manure and harvest remains enormously available. Biogas technology represents a sustainable way to produce energy for household, particularly in developing countries. It can be cost-effective and environment friendly technology for the people in rural areas. So, Biogas can be a best substitute of biomass fuels for use in rural areas.

Wear Analysis of Compression Ignition Engine using Mesua ferea linn Methyl Eseter

As the standard of living is increasing day by day, the demand for energy consumption is also increasing due to the increasing population and expanding urbanization.At the same time,the whole world is aware about the depletion of petroleum reserves and its impact on environment pollution through exhaust emissions which has become a major threat to the whole world, so to deal with this there is an urgent need of suitable alternative fuels for use in diesel engine. Biodiesel is a suitable alternative fuel which is generally produced from renewable biological resources like vegetable oil and animal fats. It is biodegradable , non toxic, has lower emissions profile and at the same time environment friendly. In this study, biodiesel is prepared using mesua ferea linn(MFL)seed oil by transterification process. Two similar engines were operated for long turm endurance test using optimum biodiesel blend and petroleum-diesel oil, respectively. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to check the wear debris concentration in lubricating oil samples which were drawn from both the engines after a fixed interval of time. Biodiesel operated engine showed lower wear debris concentration as compared to diesel operated engine. Scanning electron microscopy( SEM) showed lower damage of small disk of piston ring when operated with 20% biodiesel fuel, which revealed the better lubricity of biodiesel fuel. Also, carbon deposition of various parts like fuel injector, piston head were found to be lower in biodiesel used engine than that of diesel used engine.

Performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of a CI engine fueled with emulsified diesel-biodiesel blends at different water contents

Arising concerns over the energy crisis and ambient air pollution has motivated research into clean alternative fuels for use in internal combustion engines, from which it has been discovered that biodiesel can be used to partially replace fossilized fuels. However, the excess oxygen that is inherent in biodiesel causes an increase in the peak temperature during combustion, increasing NOx formation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of water emulsification on engine performance, combustion characteristics, and exhaust emissions. The experiment was carried out using conventional diesel, blended fuel B20, and B20 that has been emulsified with 5% water (B20E5), 10% water (B20E10), 20% water (B20E20), and 30% water (B20E30). Results indicate that a 28.4% improvement in the engine torque and a reduction of 7.27% BSFC was achieved using B20E5. A significant reduction from 52.1 to 46.4 bar was also observed in the peak in-cylinder pressure with B20E5. The 30% water content in the blended fuel B20 reduced the NOx emissions by as much as 26.17% compared to diesel fuel. Overall, the emulsification of biodiesel-diesel with water is found to be effective in tackling concerns about emissions, especially nitrogen oxides (NOx), with no penalty to engine performance.