Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle and Karanja oil methyl ester enhanced diesel fuel for sustainable energy applications

This research is on the implication of the Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles on the performance and emissions of a diesel engine while operating on blends of Karanja oil methyl ester (KOME) and diesel fuel. Karanja oil is a biodiesel obtained from non-edible sources, which is mixed with diesel in ratio from 10% to 40% in combination with 50 and 100 ppm Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles to examine improved performance and emission of the engine. The key performance indicators including brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), alongside emission parameters, such as smoke opacity are investigated. This study highlights the utility of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle advanced biodiesel blends as a prospective way to increase engine performance and decrease environmental impacts. Observation results revealed that the brake thermal efficiency is increased by 4.7% by using nanoparticles blended KOME-Diesel fuel at part load in comparison to pure diesel. Also, smoke emission of K20N100 is reduced by 27.8% in comparison to K20D80 and 25.8% by comparing to conventional diesel fuel at the same load. So, the blend with 20% KOME and 50 ppm Fe₃O₄ (K20N50) achieved the best balance between performance, combustion efficiency, and emission reduction and it can be recommended as a good alternative to conventional diesel fuel. Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles presence improves the combustion process by virtue of their catalytic action such as oxygen buffering, enhanced heat transfer, and larger surface reactions leading to enhancement of fuel atomization which further improves engine performance and reduces emissions.