Nanoparticles are utilized as additives to enhance the fuel properties of biodiesel. The application of Mg-ZnO as a promising fuel property enhancer is highlighted and the protocol for its synthesis is provided. The fuel property enhancement of biodiesel in terms of fuel density, oxidation stability, and dynamic viscosity by Mg-ZnO is compared with other nanoparticles such as ZnO, SiO2, and TiO2.
Abstract
The direct application of Jatropha biodiesel in engines is harmful because of the corrosivity of biodiesel, the emission of poisonous gases, and solid particulate matter. Therefore, it is of paramount important to enhance the biodiesel fuel properties via green routes to effectively utilize it for automotive applications. The synthesis and application of different nanoparticles (NPs) such as ZnO, Mg-ZnO, TiO2, and SiO2, as fuel property enhancers for Jatropha biodiesel were investigated. The calorific value, oxidation stability, dynamic viscosity etc. were studied for the NP-blended biodiesels and compared with the traditional biodiesel (B100). Mg-ZnO was found to be a promising candidate as fuel property enhancer for biodiesels.