Nano-Copper Additive for Reducing NOx Emission in Soya Bean Biodiesel-Fuelled CI Engine

Biodiesel usage in automotive engines is restricted due to its high nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission and low performance. Soya bean biodiesel (B10) with nano-copper particle as fuel additive was tested for performance and exhaust emission properties in a diesel engine. Nano-copper particles were synthesised using electrolysis method, and the characterisation (x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope) studies confirmed the particle sizes to be around 40 and 50 nm. Nano-copper particles were added to soya bean methyl ester through span 80 surfactant and further mixed with diesel as B10 blend. Various formulations (diesel, soya bean B10, soya bean B10+1.5% 30 nm Cu, soya bean B10+1.5% 42 nm Cu) were tested in a single-cylinder, water-cooled diesel engine and found that B10 with nano-copper particles show better engine performance and reduced NOx emission and smoke compared with other formulations.