Investigation of the Effect of CeO2 Nanoparticle Addition in Diesel Fuel on Engine Performance and Emissions

In this study, the effects of the additive on engine performance and emissions were investigated by adding cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) into diesel fuel. The use of CeO2 NPs as an additive increased the lower calorific value (LHV) of the fuel while decreasing its viscosity and density. As a result of the experiments, an increase of 8.99% in engine torque was obtained in DCe100 fuel which 100 ppm CeO2 NPs were added compared to diesel (D0) fuel. The increase in the LHV had a positive effect on the specific fuel consumption. The use of CeO2 NPs resulted in an increase in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) due to the increased ending temperature of combustion. A 5.44% increase was obtained in DCe100 fuel compared to D0 fuel in terms of BTE. With an increase in the amount of CeO2, carbon dioxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and smoke emissions were reduced. Compared to D0 fuel, the lowest values were obtained with the DCe100 fuel. CO emissions were reduced by 18.27%, HC emissions by 30.12%, and soot emissions by 21.63%. However, nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions increased with rising CeO2 amount and in-cylinder temperature. The highest NOX value in DCe100 fuel was obtained with an increase of 6.65% compared to D0 fuel.