Development of sustainable diesel fuel blend using biodiesel, hydrous hydrazine and nanocatalysts for optimized performance and emission control
Suresh Vellaiyan
Abstract
This study aims to optimize the integration of biodiesel, hydrogen carriers, and nanocatalysts in diesel fuel to enhance engine performance while minimizing emissions, aligning with sustainable development goals. Waste-derived lemon peel oil (WLPO) was utilized as a biodiesel feedstock, while hydrous hydrazine (HH) was introduced as a safe and efficient hydrogen carrier. Aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) was employed as a nanocatalyst (NC) to facilitate complete hydrazine decomposition. A Box-Behnken design matrix was employed to design test fuel combinations, which were evaluated in a single-cylinder diesel engine under maximum brake mean effective pressure. Nanoparticle characterization validated the effectiveness of Al 2 O 3 as a catalyst, with X-ray diffraction confirming its crystalline structure and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrating its thermal stability in high-temperature environments. The optimization results demonstrated that the maximum volume concentration of WLPO, combined with 11.9% HH and 93.2 ppm NC in diesel fuel, delivered superior energy efficiency and environmental performance. The analysis of variance revealed that HH had a significant impact on performance metrics, whereas WLPO concentration primarily influenced emission metrics. Validation experiments confirmed the predicted outcomes, demonstrating improved performance and reduced emissions. The optimized fuel matrix reduces fossil fuel dependency by approximately 42%, offering a promising pathway toward sustainable energy solutions.