Crystalline Nanocellulose as a Potential Alternative to Metallic Nanofuel Additives: An Experimental Investigation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.22.4.2025.20.0997Keywords:
Crystalline nanocellulose, Diesel engine, Engine performance, Fuel additive, NanofuelAbstract
Crystalline nanocellulose (CNC), derived from various biomass sources, is gaining attention as a sustainable nanomaterial for energy applications due to its high surface area-to-volume ratio, lightweight nature, biodegradability, and associated environmental benefits. This experimental research investigated the potential of CNC as an alternative to traditional metallic nanofuel additives, presenting preliminary results that have not been previously reported. Commercially available CNC was blended into standard diesel fuel at concentrations of 100 ppm, 250 ppm, and 500 ppm, and engine performance and emission tests were conducted. CNC demonstrated potential as a nanofuel additive in diesel, offering benefits like improved combustion, enhanced engine performance, and reduced NOx emissions and exhaust smoke opacity. However, higher concentrations were less effective in lowering nitrogen oxides (NOx) levels, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increased due to more complete combustion. The highest engine performance was achieved with a CNC concentration of 500 ppm, resulting in an average reduction in brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) by 3.95% and an increase in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) by 2.73% compared to diesel fuel. The fuel cost analysis indicated that CNC is economically viable at a 100-ppm concentration; however, higher concentrations resulted in a substantial increase in fuel costs, despite reducing fuel consumption. The initial results are promising and suggest CNC could be a suitable alternative to traditional metallic nanofuel additives.
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