Enhancing Emission Characteristics of a Diesel Engine Powered by Biodiesel Blends with Mesoporous Silica for Better Environmental Protection and Performance

This research examines the consequences of employing mixtures of diesel and sunflower biodiesel mixed with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) made of Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) on the emission characteristics and performance of a single-cylinder diesel engine. The goal is to investigate if these nano-additives can lower hazardous gas emissions and increase engine efficiency, which is essential for developing cleaner and more sustainable engine technology. A single-cylinder DI diesel engine was used to study the effects of adding nanoparticles to sunflower biodiesel to reduce exhaust pollution levels and enhance engine efficiency. The study examines the effects of various doses of MCM-41 nanoparticles (50, 75, and 100 ppm) in combination with sunflower biodiesel fuel blend (B20) on CI engine characteristics at 3000 rpm and varying loads (500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 W). Nanoparticle additives are blended with fuel using an ultrasonication process to improve the mixture's stability. In comparison to B20 fuel operation, the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) increased by 12%, and the emissions such as hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) deceased by 22.9% and 33.3%, respectively, with the addition of 100 ppm MCM-41 nanoparticles to B20 (B20MCM100). Nevertheless, all blends with the addition of nanoparticles exhibit a modest increase in nitrogen oxides. This study offers a novel strategy to enhancing the environmental and performance features of biodiesel, as it is the first to systematically investigate the effects of MCM-41 nanoparticles in biodiesel blends under varied engine loads. According to the research, biodiesel enriched with nanoparticles may be a key component in the development of cleaner and more effective fuel technologies.