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Synergistic Nano-Doping of Ternary Diesel-Coconut Methyl Ester-Ethanol Matrices: Assessing the Interfacial Influence of ZnO and TiO2 Nanoparticles on Combustion Dynamics, Brake Thermal Efficiency, and Heterogeneous Emission Abatement
1 , 1 , 1 , 1, 2 , 3 , 3 , * 1
1  Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Adamson University, 900 San Marcelino St. Ermita Manila, Philippines
2  Adamson University Laboratory of Biomass, Energy and Nanotechnology (ALBEN), Adamson University, 900 San Marcelino St., Ermita, 1000, Manila, Philippines
3  Department of Chemical Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
Academic Editor: Elisa Sani

Abstract:

The ubiquity of conventional petroleum diesel in the global transport and industrial sectors has precipitated a critical environmental crisis characterized by the excessive discharge of hazardous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon-based greenhouse gases. Despite the current energy transition emphasizing the adoption of bio-based oxygenates like coconut methyl ester (CME) and ethanol to dilute the carbon intensity of fossil fuels, these biological additives often present challenges regarding lower energy density and altered combustion kinetics that can lead to suboptimal engine performance. To address these limitations, the present study proposes the development of a technologically advanced and marketable eco-friendly diesel alternative through the strategic integration of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles as high-performance fuel additives to stabilize and enhance ternary blends. The experimental methodology involved the formulation of a base mixture consisting of 10% coco methyl ester and 5% ethanol, which was subsequently homogenized with ZnO and TiO2 at precise concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 parts per million (ppm) using magnetic stirring techniques. This nano-doped matrix was then integrated into 85% pure diesel using a high-shear mixer to ensure uniform particle distribution. Following ASTM-standardized protocols, five distinct samples underwent comprehensive physicochemical property testing to evaluate the impact of nano-augmentation. The results and discussion highlighted a significant enhancement in thermophysical characteristics, particularly for the D85B10E5ZnO20TiO220 blend, which exhibited the highest calorific value recorded at 6702.51 cal/g, notably outperforming binary variants. Engine performance diagnostics revealed that the 20 ppm dual-nanoparticle configuration achieved a brake thermal efficiency of 24.25% and demonstrated a 12.85% increase in brake-specific fuel consumption. Crucially, emission analysis revealed profound reductions in carbon dioxide (414.94%) and carbon monoxide (145.58%) compared to baseline D100 diesel. In conclusion, this study underscores the decisive advantages of nanoparticle inclusion in multi-component fuel systems for optimizing combustion efficiency and atmospheric safety. It is recommended that this formulation be further scaled for commercial viability as a sustainable alternative to pure fossil fuels.

Keywords: Biodiesel; Combustion; Emission; Nanoparticles; Thermodynamics

 
 
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