Usage of third generation propanol/diesel blends with carbon nanotubes as sustainable diesel alternative

This investigation examines the influences of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as an additive in propanol-diesel blends on the combustion, performance, and exhaust emission behavior of a compression ignition engine. Test fuels comprised propanol-diesel blends with MWCNT addition of 50, 100, and 150 ppm, evaluated against ultra-low sulfur diesel as the reference fuel. Experimental results revealed that MWCNT-enhanced blends showed significant enhancements in engine efficiency, with brake thermal efficiency exhibiting improvements of up to 16% and brake specific fuel consumption showing reductions of up to 5.6% relative to baseline diesel. Combustion analysis indicated reduced maximum in-cylinder pressures and elevated peak heat release rates for MWCNT-containing blends. Exhaust gas analysis revealed carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions exhibited reductions up to 18% and 42%, respectively, compared to diesel fuel. However, carbon monoxide emissions were slightly lower and an increase in unburned hydrocarbon was observed. These experimental findings indicate that MWCNT-enhanced propanol-diesel blends represent a viable approach for improving compression ignition engine thermal efficiency though further optimization is required to mitigate CO and HC formation.