Sustainable diesel engine performance using hydrous hydrazine emulsions: Hydrogen carrier potential and NOx emission reduction with aluminum oxide catalyst
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The growing demand for cleaner and more sustainable diesel engine technologies has directed focus to alternative fuel methods. This study examines the application of hydrous hydrazine (HH) as a dual-function fuel additive, acting as both a hydrogen carrier and NOx suppressant, to improve diesel engine performance and emissions. Emulsion fuels, including 15% and 30% HH in conventional diesel fuel (CDF), were developed utilizing Sorbitan monooleate as a surfactant. To enhance hydrazine breakdown, aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) nanoparticles, analyzed using SEM, XRD, and FTIR, were utilized as catalysts owing to their porous architecture, thermal resilience, and crystalline characteristics. Experimental assessments were conducted on a single-cylinder diesel engine. The results indicated that the addition of HH reduced in-cylinder pressure by 4.7% and net heat release by 14.3%. While 30% HH blends elevated BSFC (45.4%), HC (23.9%), and CO (19.3%) emissions, they concurrently resulted in significant decreases in brake thermal efficiency (15.6%) and NOx emissions (12.4%) relative to CDF. The incorporation of the Al 2 O 3 catalyst resulted in reductions of 15.2% in BSFC, 19.3% in HC, and 10.7% in CO emissions, while BTE increased by 11.3%. CDF30HHN accomplished a 16.4% decrease in smoke opacity relative to its non-catalytic equivalent. Although there was a slight increase in NOx with the inclusion of the catalyst, total NOx emissions were still lower than those from CDF. This work highlights the feasibility of HH emulsions with Al₂O₃ catalysis as a sustainable and efficient approach to enhance diesel engine performance while reducing environmental impact.
Source: Results in Engineering
Author: Suresh Vellaiyan
Institution: Saveetha University
Language: English
Subfield: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,940
OpenAlex ID: W4413825492