Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49 (2015) 563–573

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/rser

Effect of dispersion of various nanoadditives on the performance and

emission characteristics of a CI engine fuelled with diesel, biodiesel
and blends—A review
T. Shaafi, K. Sairam, A. Gopinath, G. Kumaresan, R. Velraj n
Institute for Energy Studies, CEG, Anna University, Chennai 600025, India

art ic l e i nf o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The preference given to biodiesel in a diesel engine has gained importance over the past two decades, due to
Received 28 February 2014 its various environmental and economic benefits. There exists a lot of scope for further improvement in the
Received in revised form performance and emission reduction with biodiesel as the fuel. Fuel adulteration is one of the important
5 August 2014
techniques for performance enhancement and emission reduction, compared to other techniques such as
Accepted 23 April 2015
engine modification and exhaust gas treatment. In recent years, the use of nanoparticles as additives in diesel
improves the thermo physical properties, such as high surface area-to-volume ratio, thermal conductivity, and
Keywords: mass diffusivity, when dispersed in any base fluid medium. Based on the results available in the literature, it
Nanoadditives has been found that nanoadditives with diesel, biodiesel and blends improve the flash point, fire point,
Biodiesel
kinematic viscosity and other properties, depending upon the dosage of the nanofluid additives. In the present
Fuel adulteration
work a review has been made to study the effect of dispersion of various nanoadditives on the enhancement
Emulsion fuel
Engine emission of the performance and emission reduction characteristics of a CI engine fuelled with diesel, biodiesel, and its
blends and a summary of the observation made from the literatures are reported in the conclusion.
& 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 564
2. Effects of various nanoadditives on engine performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 564
2.1. Effects of metal nanoadditives on engine performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 564
2.2. Effects of metal oxide nanoadditives on engine performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565
2.3. Effects of magnetic nanofluid additives on engine performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566
2.4. Effects of nano organic additives on engine performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566
2.5. Effects of carbon nanotube additives on engine performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566
2.6. Effects of mixed nanoadditives on engine performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567
3. Effects of various nanoadditives on engine emission characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567
3.1. Effects of metal nanoadditives on engine emission characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567
3.2. Effects of metal oxide nanoadditives on engine emission characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567
3.3. Effects of magnetic nanofluid additives on engine emission characteristics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568
3.4. Effects of nano organic additives on engine emission characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568
3.5. Effects of carbon nanotube additives on engine emission characteristics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568
3.6. Effects of mixed nanoadditives on engine emission characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571
4. Major issues and further research requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571
5. Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572

n
Corresponding author. Tel.: þ 91 4422358051; fax: þ91 4422351991.
E-mail address: [email protected] (R. Velraj).

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.04.086
1364-0321/& 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
564 T. Shaafi et al. / Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49 (2015) 563–573

1. Introduction concluded that ethanol is a good candidate for mixing with

energetic nanoparticles. The combustion characteristics of nano-
A diesel engine has an excellent reputation for its low fuel fluid fuels with the addition of boron and iron nanoparticles at
consumption, reliability and durability characteristics, because of dilute and dense concentrations, were investigated by Gan et al.
its higher brake thermal efficiency due to its high compression [20]. The investigation of the combustion behaviour of nano-
ratio, and leaner fuel–air mixtures. On the other hand diesel aluminum and nano-aluminum oxide particles stably suspended
engine may become the main air pollution source in the near in biofuel on a secondary energy was conducted [21]. The experi-
future due to its combustion products. Polluted air leads to climate mental results showed that the amount of heat released from
changes, and affects plants, animals, and humans alike. Due to the ethanol combustion varies linearly with nano-aluminum concen-
rapid growth of automobiles, the demand for petroleum products trations. One of the methods for the simultaneous improvement of
will witness a growth, which is expected to rise to more than 240 combustion efficiency and reduction of hydrocarbon and nitrogen
million metric tonnes by 2021–22, which will further increase to oxide emissions from diesel engines, is the use of a catalyst in
around 465 million metric tonnes by 2031–32, considering a high nanosized form in diesel. In this context, Balamurugan and Sajith
output growth [1].However, the rapid depletion of petroleum [22] recently carried out the stability study of zirconium–cerium
products and the stringent regulations laid down by the govern- oxide nanoparticle suspended in diesel.
ment to engine manufacturers and consumers to follow the Based on the above literature study, it was noticed that a
emission norms to save the environment from diesel engine review on the effects of dispersion of nanoadditives on the
pollution, have triggered many researchers to identify renewable performance and emission characteristics, of a CI engine fuelled
alternative fuels for diesel engine performance and good emission with diesel, biodiesel and its blends, is missing. In this regard, the
control. objective of the present study is to review the impact of nanoad-
The fuel adulteration method is widely accepted by many ditives on a CI engine in respect of its performance and emission
researchers, to achieve specific fuel properties so as to improve behaviour.
the performance and achieve good emission control of a diesel
engine without any modification of the existing engine. The basic
requirements of all catalysts as fuel additives to conventional fuels 2. Effects of various nanoadditives on engine performance
are summarized by Ambrozik and Chlopek [2] and given below:
(1) The catalyst should decrease the exhaust emissions as well as Nanofuels are a new class of fuels, and the application of
increase the oxidation intensity in the engine and in the particu- nanoscale energetic material in conventional fuel is an interesting
lates filter. (2) It is necessary to maintain the typical operational concept, yet unexplored to its fullest potential. Very few studies
properties of engines. (3) If catalytic additives are mixed with fuel, have been carried out on the addition of various potential
their chemical stability in the mixture must be retained under all nanoparticles as additives to diesel, biodiesel and its blends. In
conditions. (4) Catalytic additives should not decrease the working this work, the literature survey on the effects of various nanoad-
effectiveness of the particulate filters. (5) Catalytic additives ditives such as metal, metal oxide, carbon nanotube, magnetic,
should not increase the emissions of environmentally harmful nano organic additives, and mixed nanoadditives on engine
substances. Guru et al. [3] found that organic based manganese as performance are reported.
additives to the diesel, gave the greatest decrease in the freezing
point and also the authors observed that the organic based 2.1. Effects of metal nanoadditives on engine performance
manganese drops the viscosity, flash point and improves the
contents of the exhaust gases. The role of additives in diesel and Metal based additives such as aluminum, iron, boron, and ferric
diesel blended fuels was reviewed by Riberio et al. [4]. chloride are normally employed as combustion catalysts to pro-
The recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology paved mote complete combustion, and also to reduce the consumption of
the way to produce nanoscale energetic materials, which have fuel, and emissions for hydrocarbon fuels. Kao et al. [23] used a
tremendous advantages over micron sized materials. Many homemade nanofluid in the form of aluminum nanoparticles
researchers not only critically analyzed the applications, prepara- coated by alumina submerged in water with the diesel fuel, to
tion and challenges of nanofluids, but also identified the barriers explore its effects on fuel consumption, exhaust emission and
of the nanofluid, as research gaps for further research [5–15]. combustion features of a diesel engine. They utilized a single
From previous studies, it is evident that the addition of cylinder naturally aspirated diesel engine for conducting the above
nanoparticles to diesel and biofuel has a significant effect on the experiment. They employed a high quality diesel and aluminum
ignition and combustion behaviour. Risha et al. [16] investigated nanofluid additive in the range of 30 cm3 to 50 cm3 into 1 l of
the combustion behaviour of nano-aluminum and liquid water, diesel fuel. The results showed that, hydrogen burns in a diesel
characterized without the use of any gelling agent for a broad engine in the presence of an active aqueous aluminum nanofluid.
range of pressures, mixture compositions, and particle sizes. The results indicate that the brake specific fuel consumption
Ignition delay and ignition temperature are critical parameters (BSFC) for aqueous aluminum nanofluid mixed diesel fuels
that characterize the performance of a diesel engine. Both effi- (AN þD) is less than that of the diesel fuel at engine speeds less
ciency as well as the emission levels from a diesel engine can than 1800 rpm. The authors concluded that adding a particular
potentially be improved by optimizing the ignition delay and quantity of aluminum nanofluid to diesel not only reduces fuel
ignition temperature. Tyagi et al. [17] attempted to improve the consumption, but also improves the exhaust emission concentra-
ignition properties of diesel fuel by investigating the influence of tion from a diesel engine. Kannan et al. [24] investigated the use of
adding nanoparticles to diesel. They concluded that the addition of ferric chloride (FeCl3) as a fuel borne catalyst (FBC) for waste
nanoparticles to the fuel caused significant improvements in its cooking palm oil based biodiesel. They added a metal based
radiative and heat/mass transfer properties, and hence, the dro- additive to biodiesel at a dosage of 20 μmol/l. The authors found
plets ignited at a much lower temperature compared to pure that, there was a slight improvement in BSFC, brake specific
diesel. The application of nanoparticles in the combustion system energy consumption (BSEC) and brake thermal efficiency when
was also reviewed [18]. Gan and Qiao [19] investigated the FBC was added to biodiesel at optimized operating conditions.
combustion characteristics of fuel droplets with the addition of Recently, Mehta et al. [25] compared the burning character-
nano and micron-sized aluminum particles. The authors istics and engine performance of a single-cylinder CI engine for
 T. Shaafi et al. / Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49 (2015) 563–573 565

aluminum (A1), iron (F1) and boron (B1) nano fuels with diesel fuel. efficiency with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles was examined
The engine tests were performed initially with pure diesel at fully [29]. It was reported that the quality of the modified fuel with 0.1%
throttled and no-load conditions, and then nanofuels were fed one TiO2 shows better overall properties, such as reduced kinematic
by one through a separate fuel feed line. Nanofuels A1, B1, F1 viscosity, increased cetane number, increased lower heating value,
showed increased evaporation rates with early ignition at 0.2 s, as and increased flash point. They have noticed that the nano-TiO2
compared to diesel (1.2 s), suggesting reduced ignition delay. The additive led to more efficient operation for high level of Palm oil
engine performance parameter study revealed a noticeable reduc- biodiesel (POB) fraction in the fuel, particularly 0.1% nano-TiO2
tion of 7% in specific fuel consumption with A1 in comparison to additive, and also, they observed that the torque performance was
diesel for generating equivalent brake power. noticeably improved, as compared with standard B2 fuel. Addi-
tionally they found that 0.1% nano-TiO2 additive in all fuels with
2.2. Effects of metal oxide nanoadditives on engine performance various POB fractions, produced the efficient decrease of the
specific fuel consumption, and due to that the additive produced
Metal oxides such as cerium oxide, alumina, TiO2, ZnO, MnO, higher heating value of all Palm oil biodiesel (POB) fuels. However,
CuO are extensively used as fuel additives. Selvan et al. [26] 0.2% additive increases the specific fuel consumption. From the
conducted the experimental investigation in two phases, to experiments, the authors suggested that TiO2 additive, being
establish the performance and emission characteristics of a CI thermally stable, promotes the oxidation of hydrocarbon, and acts
engine, while using cerium oxide nanoparticles as additives in as an effective catalyst, when added in small amounts of
neat diesel and diesel–biodiesel–ethanol blends. In the first phase nanoparticle form.
of their experiments, the stability of neat diesel and diesel– Sajith et al. [30] conducted a performance test on a single
biodiesel–ethanol fuel blends with the addition of cerium oxide cylinder CI engine, using modified biodiesel derived from Jatropha.
nanoparticles was analyzed, and in the second phase, the perfor- They used commercially available cerium oxide nanoparticles as
mance characteristics were studied. The reduction in ignition fuel additives in the size of 10 to 20 nm. The flash point of
delay and small improvement in brake thermal efficiency are biodiesel, which is an indication of its volatility, was found to
notable highlights. The authors concluded that under all loads, increase with the inclusion of the additive. The viscosity of
the addition of cerium oxide with neat diesel and the diesel– biodiesel was found to increase with the addition of cerium oxide
biodiesel–ethanol blend helps the engine to operate at lean nanoparticles. The viscosity and volatility were found to hold
mixtures better than neat diesel. Basha and Anand [27] investi- direct relations with the dosing level of the nanoparticles, within
gated the performance of a single cylinder Compression Ignition the range analyzed (20–80 ppm). The authors also found that,
(CI) engine using water–diesel emulsion fuel, and alumina nano- brake thermal efficiency generally increases with the dosing level
particles blended water–diesel emulsion fuels. They prepared the of nanoparticles. Ganesh and Shankar [31] reported the effect of
water–diesel emulsion fuel in the proportion of 83% diesel, 15% nanofuel additives (Magnalium and Cobalt oxide) on the perfor-
water, and 2% surfactants by volume. The alumina nanoparticles mance and emission characteristics of Jatropha biodiesel in a
are blended with the water–diesel emulsion fuel in the mass single cylinder air cooled, direct injection engine. The nanoparti-
fractions of 25, 50, and 100 ppm. The variations of the cylinder cles 100 mg/l were dispersed in the fuel by an ultrasonicator with
pressure, heat release rate, and the ignition delay of the neat the assistance of an optimized surfactant. It was noticed by the
diesel, neat water–diesel emulsion fuel, and alumina nanoparticles authors, that the addition of nano cobalt oxide reduced the specific
blended water–diesel emulsion fuels, were discussed. The authors energy consumption, at part load and full load conditions. Also, it
found that the cylinder peak pressure and heat release rate are low was clearly shown that the addition of Magnalium particles
for the alumina nanoparticles blended water–diesel emulsion reduces the energy consumption and improves the thermal
fuels, due to shorter ignition delay compared to that of neat efficiency.
water–diesel emulsion fuel. In addition, they concluded that Selvaganapthy et al. [32] studied the role of Zinc oxide (ZnO)
improved brake thermal efficiency of the engine was possible nanoparticles on the performance of single cylinder four stroke
with the addition alumina nanoparticles to the water–diesel vertical water cooled diesel engine. They mixed the nanoparticles
emulsion fuels at all loads. Further, they revealed from their hot in the diesel fuel (DF) at the rate of 250 ppm and 500 ppm. The
plate evaporation study that, there is a significant reduction of results showed that the thermal efficiency is 35.82% only at full
evaporation time on the addition of alumina nanoparticles load for diesel fuel (DF), whereas 36.8% and 37.35% was obtained
blended water diesel emulsion fuels, compared to that of neat for DFþ ZnO (250 ppm) and DF þZnO (500 ppm) respectively.
water diesel emulsion fuel. Basha and Anand [28] further inves- Ranaware and Satpute [33] presented the correlation between
tigated the performance, emission and the combustion character- the performance and emission characteristics of a CI engine, with
istics of a single cylinder, naturally aspirated four stroke air-cooled cerium oxide nanoparticles and water-based ferrofluid as additives
direct injection diesel engine, using water–diesel emulsion and to diesel fuel. The test results showed that the brake specific fuel
alumina nanoparticles blended water–diesel emulsion fuels. The consumption decreases with an increase in the engine load for the
authors reported that the peak pressure and heat release rate are diesel cerium oxide blends than neat diesel, at all the brake mean
lower for the nanoparticles blended water–diesel emulsion fuels effective pressures (BMEP).The lowest brake specific fuel con-
due to shorter ignition delay, compared to that of water diesel sumption (BSFC) was observed as 0.3586 kg/kWh for die-
emulsion fuel. The brake thermal efficiency and the brake specific sel þCerium25 (D þCeria25) blend, whereas it was 0.3931 kg/
fuel consumption of nanoparticles blended water–diesel emulsion kWh for neat diesel. The authors pointed out, that it was due to
fuels are significantly improved than those of neat diesel and the addition of cerium oxide, which promotes complete combus-
water–diesel emulsion fuel at higher loads. Moreover, the authors tion. In addition, as observed from the experimental result that,
observed that there is no abnormal noise during their experimen- there is a small improvement in the brake thermal efficiency with
tation with the diesel engine, using nanoparticle blended water the addition of cerium oxide to the diesel ethanol blends.
diesel emulsion fuels. Finally, they concluded that, the perfor- Lenin et al. [34] conducted experiments on the performance
mance of diesel engines is improved due to the incorporation of and emission characteristics of DI diesel engine with nanometal
alumina nanoparticles present in the water diesel emulsion fuels. diesel additives, such as MnO and CuO. They concluded that the
In a recent study, the variation in the fuel properties due to the additives boost the combustion efficiency by shortening the
addition of the nano-TiO2 additive and engine performance ignition delay. The best performance in brake thermal efficiency
566 T. Shaafi et al. / Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49 (2015) 563–573

was recorded at higher loads at the rate of 4% from the conven- of a CI diesel engine were studied recently in [40]. The ferrofluid
tional diesel fuel. It was summarized that the performance of the consists of Fe3O4 nanoparticles dispersed in diesel fuel with the
engine marginally increased, with metal oxide additives added to nanoparticle concentrations of 0.4 and 0.8 vol%; it was used in a
the diesel fuel. single cylinder, direct injection diesel engine. After a series of
Sajeevan and Sajith [35] experimentally investigated the effect experiments, it was demonstrated that the nanoparticle additives,
of cerium oxide (CeO2) as nanoadditive in diesel, on the physico- even at very low concentrations, have a considerable influence on
chemical properties of diesel as well as the engine performance the diesel engine characteristics. Furthermore, the results indi-
and emissions. The experiments were carried out in three phases. cated that the nanofluid fuel with nanoparticle concentration of
In the first phase, cerium oxide nanoparticles were prepared by 0.4 vol% shows better combustion characteristics than those of
the chemical method and added to diesel to obtain a stable 0.8 vol%. They confirmed that the nanoparticle additives, even at
suspension. In the second phase, various physiochemical proper- very low concentrations, have considerable influence on diesel
ties of modified diesel were determined and compared with those engine characteristics.
of the base fuel. In the third phase, performance tests were
conducted on a single cylinder diesel engine using the modified 2.4. Effects of nano organic additives on engine performance
and base fuels, in order to evaluate the engine performance as well
as emission characteristics. The experimental investigations were The research work on nano organic additives in the field of
carried out by varying the dosing levels of CeO2 nanoparticles in diesel engines is very limited, and hence, only the available works
the fuel (from 5 to 35 ppm). The results showed that the brake are presented in this section. Yang et al. [41] used an organic
thermal efficiency increased by about 6% on the addition of cerium material (Glycerin) as an additive, to produce stable emulsion fuels
oxide nanoparticles in diesel. This is because cerium oxide with 10% and 15% water concentrations. The results indicated that
promotes longer and more complete combustion, as compared the micro-explosion phenomenon of the nano-sized water dro-
to the base fuel, as cerium oxide acts as an oxygen buffer, releasing plets in the emulsion fuel can accelerate fuel evaporation, and its
and storing oxygen depending upon the partial pressure of oxygen. mixing process with air, thus reducing the overall combustion
They also found that when the dosing level of cerium oxide was duration. The brake thermal efficiency of the engine was signifi-
increased beyond 35 ppm, there was a slight decrease in the cantly improved by 14.2% compared to pure diesel when 10%
efficiency, especially at higher loads, by which they identified emulsion fuel was used. The impact of a novel emulsion fuel with
the optimum level of dosing of catalytic nanoparticles in diesel. 82.4% diesel, 5% water and 12.6% nano-organic additives on the
The efficiency was found to be increased with the addition of the performance of a diesel engine, was presented [42]. The authors
dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DDSA), especially at higher loads. claimed that, better brake thermal efficiency was possible with
Moreover, the addition of DDSA in the fuel decreases the viscosity their novel emulsion fuel, due to the effect of the micro-explosion
leading to better atomization of fuel droplets, and hence, an of the water droplets. It is also reported by the authors that the
improvement in the efficiency; they also observed a drop in the ignition delay of emulsion fuel was slightly longer than that of
brake thermal efficiency, when the dosing level of DDSA was pure diesel; however, the combustion duration was shorter.
increased from 2 to 5%.
Basha and Anand [36] investigated the performance of a 2.5. Effects of carbon nanotube additives on engine performance
constant speed diesel engine in three phases, using Jatropha
biodiesel, Jatropha biodiesel emulsion fuel and alumina nanopar- Carbon nanotubes have been called the “Wonder material of
ticle blended Jatropha biodiesel emulsion fuels. They concluded the 21st century” [43]. The potential application of carbon nano-
from the experimental investigation, that the performance and tubes in numerous engineering fields has generated significant
emission characteristics of the diesel engine are improved due to interest and attention from the International Scientific Commu-
the incorporation of the alumina nanoparticles in the biodiesel nity. Basha and Anand [44] carried out experimental investigations
emulsion fuels, leading to reduced peak pressure and ignition on the performance and combustion characteristics of a diesel
delay. Experimental investigations have been carried out by Xin engine, using carbon nanotubes blended water diesel emulsion
et al. [37] to study the impact of CeO2-based solid solution metal fuels. The stability test was conducted for the prepared emulsion
oxide on the combustion performance of a diesel engine and its fuel under static conditions. The major findings from the results
emissions. They have chosen Ce0.9 Zr0.1 O2 and Ce0.9 Cu0.1O2 as are, improved brake thermal efficiency and brake specific fuel
additives based on their High Calorific Value. They found that the consumption for the CNT blended water–diesel emulsion fuel,
addition of nano-sized CeO2-based solid solution metal oxide when compared to those of neat diesel and water–diesel emulsion
additive, increases the maximum cylinder pressure and tempera- fuel. At full load, the brake thermal efficiency of D2S5W50CNT
ture, and thus, the combustion performance has been enhanced. (93% diesel þ 2%surfactant þ 5% water þ50 ppm of CNT) is 28
percent, whereas it is 25.7 percent and 25.1 percent for D2S5W
2.3. Effects of magnetic nanofluid additives on engine performance (93% diesel þ 2% surfactant þ 5% water) and neat diesel, respec-
tively. It is also concluded by the authors that the cylinder peak
Ferrofluids are colloidal suspensions of a magnetic material in a pressure is lower for the CNT blended water–diesel emulsion fuels,
liquid medium, and they respond to an external magnetic field. due to the reduced ignition delay when compared to that of the
One of the most important features of ferrofluids is their stability, water–diesel emulsion fuel. At full load, the cylinder peak pressure
which means that particles in the fluid do not agglomerate and for the D2S5W and D2S5W50CNT is observed to be 75.4 and
phase-separate, even in the presence of strong magnetic fields 71.2 bar, respectively. Likewise Tewari et al. [45] have presented
[38]. Shafii et al. [39] were the first to report the effect of the experimental results on the performance, emission and
ferrofluids on the performance and emission patterns of a four combustion characteristics of a diesel engine, using multi walled
stroke diesel engine. The results indicated that adding a ferrofluid carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) blended with biodiesel fuels. The
to diesel fuel has a perceptible effect on the engine performance, biodiesel was prepared from Honge Oil Methyl Ester [HOME]. The
increasing the brake thermal efficiency relatively up to 12%, and test results showed that the brake thermal efficiency of the
decreasing the brake-specific fuel consumption relatively up to HOME–MWCNTs blended fuels was relatively better, as compared
11%, as compared to diesel fuel. The effects of magnetic nanofluid to that of HOME. The authors also highlighted that, the higher
fuel combustion on the performance and emission characteristics dispersion of MWCNTs in HOME is still a subject of research.
 T. Shaafi et al. / Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49 (2015) 563–573 567

Recently, Basha and Anand [46] carried out the effects of CNT and thereby lower the oxidation temperature for diesel soot and
with jatropha methyl ester emulsion fuel in a single cylinder lead to increased particle burn out. The influence of a cerium
constant speed engine in the concentration of 25, 50 and 100 ppm. additive on ultrafine diesel particle emissions and kinetics of
The authors concluded that the brake thermal efficiency of the oxidation were presented in [49]. The addition of cerium was
CNT blended jatropha methyl ester emulsion fuels has been observed to cause significant changes in number-weighted size
appreciably enhanced owing to their improved combustion char- distributions, light off temperature and the kinetics of oxidation.
acteristics when compared to that of neat jatropha methyl ester The oxidation rate increased significantly (  20) with the addition
and neat jatropha methyl ester emulsion fuel. Moreover, they of cerium to the fuel. The authors concluded that, the oxidation
observed that significant reduction in the peak cylinder pressure rate was relatively insensitive to doping beyond a certain thresh-
and heat release rate for CNT blended jatropha methyl ester old level. The effects of a platinum–cerium bimetallic fuel additive
emulsion fuels due to shorter ignition delay effect. on the chemical composition of diesel engine exhaust particles,
was explored by Okuda et al. [50], and their results demonstrated
2.6. Effects of mixed nanoadditives on engine performance that the use of the additive significantly reduced the emissions of
PM2.5 and carbonaceous species. The reduction was 34% for the
Basha and Anand [47] have recently studied the influence of PM2.5 mass, 54% for the PM2.5 elemental carbon, and 23% for the
nanoadditive blended biodiesel fuel on the working characteristics PM2.5 organic carbon, when 0.1 ppm Pt and 7.5 ppm Ce of the
of a diesel engine. The whole investigation was carried out on a additives were used.
constant speed diesel engine in four phases, using neat biodiesel Studies have shown that water can react with aluminum
fuel, alumina blended biodiesel, CNT blended biodiesel and alu- powder during combustion to generate hydrogen, and hence,
mina–CNT blended biodiesel. The experimental results indicate a increase the aqueous aluminum fossil fuel’s combustion heat. A
considerable enhancement in the brake thermal efficiency of the significant chemical reaction of hydrogen combustion during
nanoparticles blended biodiesel fuels compared to neat biodiesel aqueous aluminum nanofluid combustion in diesel fuel was
fuel. Further, the authors confirmed through the hot plate eva- studied in [23], and the authors found that the aluminum nano
poration test, a shorter ignition delay effect, and improved heat powder additive mixed in diesel fuel causes considerable smoke
transfer rate, associated with the nanoparticles blended biodiesel reduction, and for engine speeds less than 1800 rpm, the NOx
fuels, owing to their enhanced surface area/volume ratio, and heat concentration has also a decreasing tendency. Hence, they con-
conduction properties. Recently, Selvan et al. [48] studied the cluded that, adding a particular quantity of aluminum nanofluid to
performance, combustion and emission characteristics on a single diesel fuel not only reduces the fuel consumption, but also
cylinder, constant speed (variable compression ratio) engine using improves the exhaust emission concentration from the diesel
the stable diesterol–CERIA–CNT blends under various loading engine. The emission study carried out by Kannan et al. [24]
conditions at an optimum compression ratio of 19:1. They have reported that the fuel borne catalyst (FBC) added biodiesel showed
used CERIA and CNT of each 25, 50 and 100 ppm of concentrations lower nitric oxide (NO) emission, and slightly higher carbon
are added with dieseterol blends. They observed that the addition dioxide (CO2) emission, as compared to diesel. Carbon monoxide
of CERIA and CNT in dieseterol blend increases the cylinder gas (CO), total hydrocarbon (THC) and smoke emission of FBC added
pressure when compared with neat dieseterol blend. Moreover, biodiesel, decreased by 52.6%, 26.6% and 6.9%, respectively, com-
the authors concluded that the CNT act as a catalyst to accelerate pared to biodiesel without FBC, at an optimum operating condition
the burning rate which results in decrease in the ignition delay of 280 bar injection pressure and 25.51 bTDC (before top dead
and cause for lower heat release rate and advancement of the peak centre) injection timing. The exhaust gas from the CI engine was
heat release rate. tested by Mehta et al. [25] for emissions of regulated parameters of
varying load conditions. The emission study showed a decline of
25–40% in CO (vol%), along with a drop of 8% and 4% in hydro-
3. Effects of various nanoadditives on engine emission carbon emissions for aluminum and iron nanofuels respectively.
characteristics Due to elevated temperatures, a hike of 5% and 3% was observed in
NOx emission with aluminum and iron.
Diesel engines are well known for their extremely low hydro-
carbon and carbon monoxide emissions. However, they have also 3.2. Effects of metal oxide nanoadditives on engine emission
been rejected by many for their odorous and sooty exhaust, that is characteristics
characterized by high nitric oxide (NOx) and particulate matter
emissions (PM). Although the improvements in the modern diesel The metal oxide nanoadditive acts as an oxygen donating
engine design and combustion conditions have led to significant catalyst, and provides oxygen for the oxidation of CO, or absorbs
reductions in both NOx and PM emissions, these reductions have oxygen for the reduction of NOx. The emission study in a CI engine
not been sufficient to meet the new standards without additional with cerium oxide nanoparticles was performed [26]. The authors
control measures. Further reductions in emissions can be achieved observed that, the carbon monoxide emission decreases with the
more efficiently, if engine development is coupled with diesel fuel use of cerium oxide nanoparticles in the diesel–biodiesel–ethanol
reformulation and/or the use of fuel additives. In this work, the blends and neat diesel. The addition of cerium oxide decreases the
literature survey on the effects of various nanoadditives such as HC emission, when compared with neat diesel and diesel–biodie-
metal, metal oxide, carbon nanotube, magnetic, nano-organic sel–ethanol blends. The NOx emission is lower for neat diesel than
additives and mixed nanoadditives on engine emissions, are for the oxygenated blends. The smoke decreases with the fuel
reported. blends with the oxygenated additives. The addition of cerium
oxide nanoparticles in neat diesel and diesel–biodiesel–ethanol
3.1. Effects of metal nanoadditives on engine emission characteristics blends decreased the smoke further.
Basha and Anand [27] studied the effects of nanoadditive
Metal based additives have been reported to be effective in blended water diesel emulsion fuel for the emission characteristics
reducing diesel emissions in two ways: (1) the metals react with of a CI engine. The amount of NOx emission observed at full load
water vapor in the exhaust emissions to produce highly reactive was only 891 ppm for D2S15W100A (83% diesel þ2%
hydroxyl radicals, and (2) the metals serve as an oxidation catalyst surfactant þ15% waterþ 100 ppm of alumina), whereas 1009 and
568 T. Shaafi et al. / Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49 (2015) 563–573

1340 ppm was observed for D2S15W (83% diesel þ 2% reduction of 4% of NOx and 37% of CO emission was possible with
surfactant þ15% water) and neat diesel, respectively. Basha and manganese nanofuel additive to diesel. Sajeevan and Sajith [35]
Anand [28] further evaluated the effect of nanoparticle additives in experimentally observed that the presence of cerium oxide in
the water diesel emulsion fuel, on the emission characteristics of a diesel fuel leads to a decrease in NOx emission, by 40 to 50% and
diesel engine at different loads and a constant engine speed. The hydrocarbon by 40 to 45%.
NOx and smoke emissions were considerably reduced for the Basha and Anand [36] have presented an experimental inves-
nanoparticles blended water–diesel emulsion fuels, compared to tigation on the role of nanoadditive blended biodiesel emulsion
those of neat diesel operation at all loads. The magnitude of NOx fuel on the working characteristics of a diesel engine. Their result
emission observed was 978, 1012, 1046 and 1340 ppm, and the indicates that the NOx and smoke emissions are appreciably
smoke opacity observed was 51, 55, 59 and 85% for D2S5W50Al reduced for the biodiesel emulsion fuels compared to that of
(93% diesel þ2% surfactant þ5% waterþ50 ppm of alumina), Jatropha biodiesel. The magnitude of NOx and smoke emission
D2S5W25Al (93% diesel þ 2% surfactant þ 5% water þ25 ppm of observed is 870 ppm and 49% for JBDS15W100A (83% jatropha
alumina), D2S5W (93% diesel þ 2% surfactant þ5% water) and neat biodiesel þ2% surfactant þ15% waterþ100 ppm of alumina) fuel,
diesel respectively at full load. HC and CO emissions also reduced whereas it is 1282 ppm and 67% for JBD (Jatropha biodiesel) fuel at
marginally, with the addition of nanoparticles to the water diesel full load, respectively. Research on the impact of CeO2-based solid
emulsion fuels, compared to the neat water diesel emulsion fuel. solution metal oxide on diesel engine emissions was carried out by
The effect of 0.1% TiO2 additive blended in biodiesel fuel on CO, Xin et al. [37]. They pointed that the reductions of NOx and CO are
CO2 and NOx was investigated [29]. The results revealed that the highly comparable with those of pure heavy oil.
emission of carbon monoxide from the CI engine was less when
TiO2 nanoparticles were added with palm oil biodiesel fuels. The 3.3. Effects of magnetic nanofluid additives on engine emission
effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles added to biodiesel on characteristics
emissions was studied [30]. The NOx emissions were found to be
generally reduced on the addition of cerium oxide nanoparticles to The emission study of a four stroke diesel engine with ferro-
biodiesel, where an average reduction of around 30% was found to fluid was carried out [39]. It was found that, the NOx emissions
occur with a dosing level of 80 ppm nanoparticles. In general, were lower than those of diesel fuel, while the CO emissions
there is a reduction in the NOx emissions due to the addition of increased. Sarvestay et al. [40] conducted the experimental inves-
cerium oxide. Hydrocarbon emission is found to be significantly tigation on the effects of magnetic nanofluid fuel combustion on
reduced on the addition of nano additives. Cerium oxide has the the emission characteristics. The investigation on the exhaust
ability to undergo a transformation from the stochiometric CeO2 emissions demonstrated that the NOx and SO2 emissions reduced
(þ 4) valence state to the Ce2O3 ( þ3) state via a relatively low appreciably, while the CO emissions and the smoke opacity
energy reaction. Cerium oxide supplies the oxygen for the reduc- increased noticeably, on increasing the dosing level of nanoparti-
tion of the hydrocarbon as well as the soot and gets converted to cles. The authors concluded that, the low toxicity of the iron
cerous oxide (Ce2O3) as follows. Eqs. (1)–(3) show the cerium nanoparticles, and their ability of collecting by a magnetic bar,
oxide involved in the hydrocarbon combustion. present them as suitable diesel fuel modifiers.
Hydrocarbon combustion:
  3.4. Effects of nano organic additives on engine emission
ð2x þyÞCeO2 þ Cx Hy - ð2x þ yÞ=2 Ce2 O3 þ x=2CO2 þ y=2H2 O ð1Þ
characteristics
Soot burning:
Yang et al. [41] conducted the emission test for emulsion fuel
4CeO2 þ Csoot-2Ce2 O3 þ CO2 ð2Þ
with nano-organic additives, and observed from the study, that
Cerium oxide lowers the carbon combustion temperature and there is an obvious reduction of NOx emission by 30.6%. Further-
thus enhances hydrocarbon oxidation, promoting complete com- more, with the increase of the water content, the NOx emission
bustion. Due to its high thermal stability, Ce2O3 formed from the decreases. They also found that CO emission is almost the same for
oxidation of hydrocarbon and soot remains active after enhancing the additives of two different concentrations at full load condi-
the initial combustion cycle and gets reoxidised to CeO2 through tions. However, there is a slight increase in the CO emission for the
the reduction of nitrogen oxide as per the following reaction. emulsion fuels when the engine is operating at partial load
conditions. The emission study on diesel engine fueled with
Ce2 O3 þ NO-2CeO2 þ 1=2N2 ð3Þ
nano-organic additive emulsion fuel was conducted [42]. The
The experimental study of the effect of magnalium and cobalt NOx emission of the emulsion fuel is tangibly lower than that of
oxide nanofuel additives on the emission characteristics of Jatro- pure diesel at all the engine speeds tested.
pha biodiesel fuel in a single cylinder, air cooled, direct injection
diesel engine, was carried out [31]. The authors observed that 3.5. Effects of carbon nanotube additives on engine emission
there is a reduction of 70% HC emission and 40% CO emission, at characteristics
part and full load, respectively. The emission test on a diesel
engine fuelled by the addition of ZnO nanoparticles with diesel Basha and Anand [44] evaluated the effects of carbon nanotube
was attempted [32]. It is seen from the emission test results that (CNT) blended water diesel emulsion fuel, on NOx, CO and HC
the addition of ZnO nanoparticles created a negative effect of emissions of a direct injection diesel engine at different loads.
producing more NOx than with neat diesel. They observed that the CNT blended water diesel emulsion fuels
Ranaware and Satpute [33] investigated the emission effects of produced low NOx emission, compared to that of water diesel
the addition of cerium oxide nanoparticles to diesel fuel. The emulsion fuel, due to the low combustion temperature. The
results showed that the NOx emission is lower for neat diesel than magnitude of CO emission for the CNT blended water diesel
for the blend of cerium oxide. The effect of oxygenated additives emulsion fuel, is also low compared to that of neat diesel and
that enhances combustion and the longer ignition delay that water diesel emulsion fuel. Further, the HC emission is also found
results in faster premixed combustion, are the causes for the to be lower for the CNT blended water diesel emulsion fuels than
higher combustion temperature, and the subsequent higher NOx for the water diesel emulsion fuel, due to the catalytic activity and
emission. Recent findings of Lenin et al. [34] showed that a improved combustion characteristics of CNT, which leads to
 T. Shaafi et al. / Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49 (2015) 563–573 569

Table 1
Summary of the nanoadditive fuel blend properties.

Author Fuel Kinematic Density Flash Fire Cetane index/ Calorific Cloud Pour Copper strip
viscosity point point number value point point corrosion
cSt kg/m3 1C 1C – MJ/kg 1C 1C 100 1C 3 h

Kannan et al. [24] Biodiesel 4.56 866 170 190 66 38.034 13 9 1a

Biodiesel þ 5 mmol 4.55 865.8 170 190 67.4 38.10 13 9 1b
FBC
Biodiesel þ 10 mmol 4.52 865.4 168 187 67.9 38.14 13 9 1b
FBC
Biodiesel þ 15 mmol 4.52 865.2 167 186 68.1 38.21 13 9 1b
FBC
Biodiesel þ 20 mmol 4.51 864.6 167 185 68.68 38.30 13 9 1b
FBC
Biodiesel þ 25 mmol 4.54 864.6 167 185 68.9 38.32 13 9 2a
FBC
Biodiesel þ 30 mmol 4.55 864.8 167 185 68.93 38.30 13 9 2a
FBC
Biodiesel þ 35 mmol 4.56 865.2 166 184 69.2 38.28 13 9 2b
FBC
Biodiesel þ 40 mmol 4.56 865.4 165 184 69.4 38.36 13 9 2b
FBC
Biodiesel þ 45 mmol 4.57 865.4 165 183 69.3 38.40 13 9 2b
FBC
Biodiesel þ 50 mmol 4.57 865.8 165 183 69.6 38.43 13 9 2b
FBC
Selvan et al. [26] Diesel 2 830 50 56 46 42.30 – – –
D70C10E20 2.35 820 11 14 44.6 39 – – –
Basha and Anand [27] Diesel 2.1 830 50 – 46 42.3 – – –
D2S15W 4.9 858.5 62 43 38.8 – – –
D2S15W25A 4.94 859.1 63 – 48 39.3 – – –
D2S15W50A 4.98 859.3 65 – 50 39.8 – – –
D2S15W100A 5.01 859.6 66 – 50 39.9 – – –
Basha and Anand [28] Diesel 2.1 830 50 – – 42.3 – – –
D2S5W 3.32 847.6 56 – – 40.5 – – –
D2S5W25Al 3.33 849.2 54 – – 40.7 – – –
D2S5W50Al 3.34 851.7 51 – – 40.9 – – –
Fangsuwannarak et al. B2 3.92 – 66 – 56.87 44.39 – – –
[29] B10 4.02 – 65 – 55.99 43.79 – – –
B20 4.11 – 70 – 56.92 43.64 – – –
B30 4.16 – 85 – 56.30 37.25 – – –
B40 4.38 – 83 – 56.53 37.40 – – –
B50 4.52 – 90 – 55.22 38.22 – – –
B100 5.46 – 135 – 49.04 37.62 – – –
B2_0.1% 3.64 – 76 – 57.05 42.74 – – –
B10_0.1% 3.80 – 74 – 57.36 41.69 – – –
B20_0.1% 4.05 – 70 – 57.07 40.48 – – –
B30_0.1% 4.16 – 84 – 56.58 44.32 – – –
B40_0.1% 4.34 80 – 55.91 43.12
B50_0.1% 4.38 – 82 – 54.90 40.41 – – –
B100_0.1% 5.34 – 150 – 49.55 39.80 – – –
B2_0.2% 3.84 – 69 – 57.04 45.01 – – –
B10_0.2% 3.87 – 73 – 57.381 43.27 – – –
B20_0.2% 3.98 – 68 – 57.27 43.19 – – –
B30_0.2% 4.16 – 83 – 55.86 40.03 – – –
B400.2% 4.34 – 78 – 55.51 42.21 – – –
B50_0.2% 4.35 – 82 – 54.60 33.33 – – –
B100_0.2% 5.25 – 141 – 49.21 – – – –
Lenin et al. [34] Diesel 2.7 – 48 54 – – – – –
Diesel þ MnO 2.53 – 44 52 – – – – –
Diesel þ CuO 2.24 – 40 46 – – – – –
Yang et al. [41] Diesel 2.8 850 – – 45 – – –
E10 8.8 880 – – 38.25 – – –
E15 11.4 890 – – 36.16 – – –
Basha and Anand [44] Diesel 2.1 830 50 – 46 42.3 – – –
D2S5W 3.32 847.6 56 – 44 40.5 – – –
D2S5W25CNT 3.38 848.2 55 – 46 40.7 – – –
D2S5W50CNT 3.42 848.9 54 – 47 40.9 – – –
Tewari et al. [45] HOME 5.6 880 170 – – 36.016 – – –
HOME 25 CNT 5.7 898 166 – – 34.56 – – –
HOME 50 CNT 5.8 900 164 – – 35.10 – – –
Basha and Anand [46] JME 5.05 895 85 – 53 38.88 – – –
JME2S5W 5.40 899.8 140 – 51 37.05 – – –
JME2S5W25CNT 5.43 897.2 130 – 54 37.28 – – –
JME2S5W50CNT 5.76 897.8 125 – 55 37.35 – – –
JME2S5W100CNT 5.91 899.4 122 – 56 37.85 – – –
 570
Table 2
The Summary of the literature findings on the influence of nanoadditives on the performance and emission characteristics of a CI engine.

Author Engine tested Engine Loading Base fluid Nanoparticle Particle Dosage Nanofluid Findings
speed device additive size preparation
method

Kao et al. [23] 4 Stroke, single cylinder, 2400 rpm Engine Diesel Aqueous 40 to 30 cm3 to Two Step Reduced fuel consumption, improved exhaust emission
11 HP dynamometer aluminum 60 N m 50 cm3 in 1 l concentration
of diesel fuel
Kannan et al. [24] 4 Stroke, single cylinder, 1500 rpm Electrical Waste cooking FeCl3 (ferric – 5 to Two step Slight improvement in brake specific fuel consumption and brake
5.2 kw, water cooled alternator palm oil biodiesel chloride) 50 mmol/l specific energy consumption and brake thermal efficiency.
Significant reduction of CO, UHC and smoke emission
Mehta et al. [25] 4 Stroke, single cylinder, 1500 rpm Eddy currrent Diesel Aluninum, iron 5–150 N m – Two step Nanofuels show reduced ignition delay. Increased brake thermal
5.2 kW water cooled dynamometer and boron 30–60 N m efficiency
80– Emissions of CO and hydrocarbons are reduced

T. Shaafi et al. / Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49 (2015) 563–573

100 N m
Selvan et al. [26]
4 Stroke, Single cylinder, 1500 rpm Eddy current Diesel-biodiesel- Cerium oxide 32 N m 25 ppm of Two step Reduced ignition delay. Engine operates on lean mixture than neat
3.7 kw, water cooled, dynamometer etahnol blends Cerium diesel. Observed small improvement in Brake thermal efficiency.
variable compression oxide Exhaust emissions significantly reduced
ratio engine
Basha and Anand 4 Stroke, single cylinder, 1500 rpm Electrical Water–diesel Alumina 51 N m 25, 50 and Two step Cylinder peak pressure and heat release rate are low. Observed
[27] 4.4 kW air cooled loading emulsion fuel 100 ppm of shorter ignition delay. NOx emission considerably reduced
device Alumina
Basha and Anand 4 Stroke, single cylinder, 1500 rpm AC alternator Water–diesel Alumina 51 N m 25, 50 ppm Two step Cylinder peak pressure and heat release rate are low. brake thermal
[28] 4.4 kW air cooled emulsion fuel of alumina efficiency and brake specific fuel consumption improved. NOx
emission considerably reduced
Fangsuwannarak TD 27, single cylinder, 4000 rpm FPS 2700 Palm oil biodiesel TiO2 – 0.15, 0.2% of Two step Reduced kinematic viscosity, increased cetane number, decreased
et al. [29] water cooled, 83.3 bhp Chassis TiO2 specific fuel consumption. CO, CO2, and NOx are appreciably reduced
dynamometer
Sajith et al. [30] 4 Stroke, Single cylinder, 1500 rpm Electrical Jatropha biodiesel CeO2 10 to 20 to Two step Flash point, viscosity increased. Increased brake thermal efficiency.
5.5 kw, water cooled generator 20 N m 80 ppm Hydrocarbon and NOx are appreciably reduced
Ganesh and 4 Stroke, Single cylinder, 1500 rpm AC alternator Jatropha Biodiesel Magnalium 38–70 N m 100 mg/l Two step Reduced specific energy consumption at part load and full load
Shankar [31] Air cooled Cobalt oxide conditions. Magnalium additives improve the thermal efficiency. HC,
CO emissions are reduced
Selvaganapthy 4 Stroke, single cylinder, 1500 rpm Electrical Diesel Zinc oxide 24–71 N m 250 ppm to Two step Thermal efficiency increased due to the presence of nanoparticles.
et al. [32] 5HP, water cooled dynamometer 500 ppm ZnO nanoparticle created a negative effect of producing more NOx
than that of neat diesel
Ranaware and 4 Stroke, single cylinder, 2200 rpm Eddy current Diesel Water based – 0 to 0.8% by Two Step Small improvement in brake thermal efficiency; Improves the
Satpute [33] variable compression dynamometer ferro fluid volume. emission characteristics
ratio cerium oxide 25 ppm
Lenin et al. [34] 4 Stroke, single cylinder, 1500 rpm Electrical Diesel Maganese oxide 50– 100 mg/l Two step Reduces the ignition delay. Performance of the engine marginally
4.4 kW air cooled generator copper oxide 210 N m increased with metal oxide additives. Significant decrease in level of
pollutant emission
Sajeevan and 4 Stroke, single cylinder, 1500 rpm Brake drum Diesel CeO2 40 to 5 to 35 pm Two step Efficiency increased to 6% on addition of cerium oxide nanoparticles
Sajith [35] 5.5 kw, water cooled dynamometer 50 N m to the diesel. reduction of HC and NOx by 50% and 30% at higher
loads. Reduction in emission proportional to the additive dosage
Basha and Anand 4 Stroke, single Cylinder, 1500 rpm Electrical Jatropha Biodiesel Alumina 51 N m 25, 50 Two Step Improves the performance due to the reduced peak pressure and
[36] 4.4 kw air cooled. loading Emulsion fuel &100 ppm ignition delay with the addition of alumina additives. NOx and smoke
drastically reduced
Xin et al. [37] Single cylinder 16.18 kW 1500 rpm Eddy current Heavy Oil CeO2 Zr and CeO2 – – – CeO2-based solid solution metal oxide additive increases the
dynamometer Cu maximum cylinder pressure and temperature and thus combustion
performance has been enhanced. NOx and CO are reduced
Shafii et al. [39] 4 Stroke, 4 cylinder, 4800 rpm Hydraulic Diesel Water based 10 N m 0.4, 0.8 ferro Two step Increasing the brake thermal efficiency relatively up to 12% and
43 kW water cooled dynamometer ferro fluid fluid /diesel decreasing the brake–specific fuel consumption relatively up to 11%
ratio by as compared to diesel fuel. NOx emission reduced but CO emission
volume increased
Sarvestay et al. 4 Stroke, single cylinder, 2200 rpm Electrical Diesel Fe3O4 10 N m 0.4%, 0.8% by Two step Results indicated that the nanofluid fuel with nanoparticle
[40] 9 HP water cooled generator volume concentration of 0.4 vol% shows better combustion characteristics in
 T. Shaafi et al. / Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49 (2015) 563–573 571

improved combustion. Finally, the authors concluded that the

consumption for CNT blended water–diesel emulsion fuel. Reduction

contributes for the cleaner combustion and significantly reduces the

emulsion fuel due to the effect of micro-explosion of water droplets.

Results revealed that an appreciable enhancement in brake thermal

drastically reduced the level of harmful pollutants such as NOx and

Brake thermal efficiency of the HOME–MWCNTs blended fuels was

Dieseterol þ CNT þCERIA increases the thermal efficicency, cylinder

Brake thermal efficiency of the engine was significantly improved.
comparison with that of 0.8 vol%. NOx and SO2 emissions reduced

efficiency for the CNT blend Jatropha methyl ester emulsion fuels
smoke emission was lower for the CNT blended water diesel
emulsion fuels, when compared to that of neat diesel. Tewari
Better brake thermal efficiency was possible with their novel
dramatically, but CO emission and smoke opacity increases

Combination of CERIA and CNT additives in diesterol blend

gas pressure and advances the occurance of peak pressure.
et al. [45] carried out an experimental investigation on a diesel

improved brake thermal efficiency and brake specific fuel

engine fuelled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes blended bio-
slight increase in CO emission at part load conditions.

NOx emission of the emulsion fuel is tangibly lower. diesel fuels. Their results have revealed that higher NOx emission
and smaller reduction in CO emissions are possible with HOME–
MWCNTs (Honge oil methyl ester-multi walled carbon nanotubes)
blended fuels. Basha and Anand [46] recently studied the diesel
engine emission using carbon nanotubes blended jatropha methyl
ester emulsions. The authors concluded that owing to the com-
bined effects of micro-explosion and secondary atomization asso-
ciated with the CNT blended jatropha methyl ester emulsion fuels,
drastically reduced the level of harmful pollutants in the exhaust
of harmful pollutants.

exhaust gas emission

gas such as NOx and smoke. However authors informed that a
critical investigation is in progress to trap the possible unburnt
relatively better.

CNT from the exhaust.

3.6. Effects of mixed nanoadditives on engine emission

smoke

characteristics

Basha and Anand [47] studied the emission characteristics of CI

Two step

Two step

Two step

Two step

Two step

Two step

engine using Alumina–CNT blended with jatropha biodiesel. The

authors revealed that, a marginal reduction in the harmful emis-
sions for the nanoparticles blended biodiesel compared to those of
Each 25, 50
25, 50 ppm

25, 50 ppm
10, 11.5% in

neat biodiesel fuel. The emission study of a four stroke diesel

25, 50 and
100 ppm

100 ppm
12.6% by

engine with mixed nano additives was carried out by Selvan et al.
volume
mass

[48] to estimate the emission reduction potential of CERIA and

and

CNT as catalyst in dieseterol blends. The cerium oxide nanoparti-

cles act as an oxygen donating catalyst which provides oxygen for
100 N m
carbon nano tube 30 N m

32 N m
16 N m

the oxidation of carbon monoxide and absorbs oxygen for the

10 to

reduction of nitrogen oxides. They observed that the combined

–

3600 rpm Eddy current Emulsion fuel with Orgonic material –

Carbon nanotube –

effect of CERIA and CNT as fuel borne nanoparticles additives in

3600 rpm Eddy current Emulsion fuel with Orgonic material

and polyethoxy-
such as Glycerin

such as Glycerin

dieseterol fuel blend contributes for the cleaner combustion and

oxideþ carbon
Carbon Nano
Multi walled

significantly reduces the harmful exhaust gas emissions.

biodiesel þethanol) nnaotube

The Summary of the nanoadditive fuel blend properties and the

Cerium

literature findings on the influence of nanoadditives on the

ester

tube

performance and emission characteristics of a CI engine are

1500 rpm Eddy current Honge oil biodiesel

presented in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

1500 rpm AC alternator Jatropha biodiesel-

dynamometer (diesel þcatoroil

water emulsion
concentration

concentration

emulsion fuel
Water–diesel

4. Major issues and further research requirements

Diesterol
dynamometer different

dynamometer different

The most eye-catching features of the use of nanoadditives in

diesel engine are improved engine performance and reduction in
dynamometer

4 Stroke, Single Cylinder, 1500 rpm Eddycurrent

emission. However, from the detailed literature study, the major

1500 rpm Electrical

issues in the use of nanoadditives in CI engine have been identified

loading

and given below.

 Safety for public concern during production and its use are
rarely attempted.
 The production cost are major factors that hinder the commer-
cialization of nanofluids.
Basha and Anand 4 Stroke, single Cylinder,
4 Stroke, single cylinder,

Tewari et al. [45] 4 Stroke, single cylinder,

 The properties of nanofluids strongly depend on the shape and

variable compression
4.4 kw, water cooled,
5.2 kw, water Cooled
75 kW water cooled,

75 kW water cooled,
4 Stroke, 4 Cylinder,

4 Stroke, 4 Cylinder,

property of the additive. Currently, available nanoparticles are

4.4 kw, air cooled
common rail fuel

common rail fuel

4.4 kw air cooled

limited and also their physiochemical properties are not

ratio engine

accurate. Better characterization of nanofluids is one of the

injection

injection

major requirement for its effective usage.

 The problems of nanoparticle aggregation, settling and erosion
all need to be examined in detail in the applications.
 The main limitation of the experiments is the non availability of
Selvan et al. [48]
Yang et al. [42]
Yang et al. [41]

Ananad [44]

nanoparticles of different sizes for same material which can

conclusively indicate the effect of particle size.
Basha and

 Despite the exciting opportunities, lack of agreement among

[46]

experimental results, poor characterization of suspension,

inadequate theoretical understanding of the mechanisms of
572 T. Shaafi et al. / Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49 (2015) 563–573

heat transfer by nanofluid are serious impediments against large quantity of heat for the evaporation. The nanoaddi-
large scale commercial exploitation of nanofluids for thermal tives are very useful to achieve the same level of micro
management in important fields such as electronics, transpor- explosion with lower concentration of water in the emul-
tation and thermal engineering. sion due to its enhanced surface area contact which will be
very useful to improve the performance with reduced NOx
Though there are advantages in the performance and emission emission.
reduction, the following long term investigations are required (iv) The CO emission also reduces due to complete combustion
before commercializing the nanoadditives. of the fuel. Only in the case fuel with magnetic nanofluid
the CO level is increased, compared to the cases without
 Nanofluids employed in experimental research have to be well nanoadditives and the reasons are to be investigated
characterized with respect to particle size, size distribution, further.
shape and clustering so as to render the results most widely (v) The major issues associated with the use of nanoadditives
applicable. with the various fuels used in the diesel engine and also
 Efforts are also to be made to obtain the optimum combina- the further research required in this field are summarized
tions of parameters such as preparation time, nanoparticle size in detail.
for the best performance of the fuel.
 Analysis of the combustion and flame characteristics of the
catalyst enhanced fuel using visualization techniques should be References
carried out.
 Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of nano-additives [1] Garg P. Energy scenario and vision 2020 in India. J Sustainable Energy Environ
effects on the performance, emission and combustion charac- 2012;3:7–17.
teristics of the conventional fuels remains a key challenge [2] Ambrozik A. ChdOpekZ.The Catalitic limitation of PM formation in engines.
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