Reduction of exhaust emissions using a nanometallic enriched lemongrass biodiesel blend

ABSTRACT

Lemongrass oil is an alternate renewable energy source which has gained importance to meet the present environmental pollution. Addition of carbon nanotubes (CNT) improved the physiochemical properties of the fuel. Its presence increased the cetane number and calorific value of the fuel resulting in reduction of hydrocarbon emission, whereas NO_x emission increased marginally. Also, CNT ensured additional oxygen availability by microexplosion which resulted in enhanced combustion process leading to transformation from CO to CO₂. Higher cetane number of CNT blended fuel influenced the ignition delay, resulting in prolonged combustion duration which led to reduction in smoke emission.

KEYWORDS:

• Lemongrass biodiesel
• transesterification
• CI engine
• exhaust emission
• carbon nanotube

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.