Combined effect of Phoenix dactylifera biodiesel and multiwalled carbon nanotube–titanium dioxide nanoparticles for modified diesel engines

Abstract

This investigation addressed Phoenix dactylifera biodiesel (PDME) production using an ultrasound-assisted transesterification process. The produced Phoenix dactylifera biodiesel (PDME25) was blended with different concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and titanium dioxide (TiO2). Diethyl ether (DEE, 1% vol.) and sorbitan oleate (Span80, 2% vol.) surfactants were used to enhance and stabilize nanoparticles for the physiochemical properties in the base fluids. The piston bowl geometry was modified to a toroidal type for better swirl and squish motion, and a six-hole fuel injector was used for enhanced atomization. The BTE and HRR improved by 22.9% and 20.1%, respectively, while the CO, HC, smoke emissions, BSFC, and ignition delay decreased by 32.8%, 23.8%, 13.4%, 25.2%, and 19.08%, respectively. The results showed that the blend of potential biodiesel sources, viz. Phoenix dactylifera and MWCNT–TiO2 nanoadditives, delivered comparable diesel fuel properties.