Effect of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles on Particulate Emissions and Carbon Deposition in Compression Ignition Engines

Abstract

Rapid urbanization worldwide is driving increased demand for petroleum products. Yet, crude oil reserves—finite, geographically concentrated resources—are insufficient to meet this rising need, especially in countries lacking substantial fossil fuel reserves. This situation underscores the urgency of shifting toward alternative energy sources before reserves are exhausted. This study conducted particulate matter emissions and endurance testing using diesel fuel mixed with aluminum oxide nanoparticles. The endurance test involved a single-cylinder, horizontal diesel engine, running for 60 hours without modifications. Two fuel samples were examined: D100 (pure diesel) as the baseline and D97Al?O? (97% diesel with 3% aluminum oxide nanoparticles). Engine performance metrics and sound pressure levels were recorded at a constant 1400 RPM, with variable loads from 0.0 to 1.6 Kg-m, incremented by 0.1 Kg-m. The load was set at 1.0 Kg-m for endurance testing with a constant 1400 RPM. Visual inspection of fuel injector tips helped analyze the deposition of aromatic compounds on injector surfaces for each fuel sample. Electron microscopy provided detailed insights into deposit formation, showing that carbon deposition was reduced by 22.22% when aluminum oxide was used as an additive further analysis of the particulate matter emissions the results shows that PM reduced by 12.08% in aluminum oxide compared to the diesel fuel. Because they aid in the creation of cleaner fuel technologies that can lessen reliance on traditional petroleum products and minimize pollution, the study's findings have wider energy and environmental ramifications.