Enhancement of diesel engine performance and emission reduction using ZnS nanoparticles and water emulsions with electrostatic precipitator integration

Abstract

This study explores a novel approach to enhancing water-emulsified diesel fuel by incorporating zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles and mitigating particulate matter (PM) emissions through a single-stage electrostatic precipitator (ESP). Water was blended with plain diesel fuel (PDF) at varying concentrations (5 %, 10 %, and 15 %), with ZnS nanoparticles (100 ppm) specifically introduced into the 15 % water-emulsified fuel to stabilize combustion. Performance and combustion characteristics were evaluated using a single-cylinder diesel engine, while emissions were analyzed before and after ESP treatment. Results indicate that up to 10 % water-emulsified fuel improves performance and reduces emissions, but higher water content negatively impacts combustion. The inclusion of ZnS nanoparticles in 15 % water-emulsified fuel counteracted these drawbacks, maintaining stable performance similar to the 10 % blend. While oxides of nitrogen (NOx), hydrocarbon (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions decreased by 2.5 %, 5.9 %, and 6.1 %, respectively, PM emissions increased by 7.7 % due to nanoparticle-induced combustion dynamics. However, integrating ESP effectively reduced PM emissions by 74.2 % with minimal influence on other exhaust pollutants. This study provides a comprehensive fuel modification and post-combustion control strategy, bridging critical gaps in sustainable diesel combustion technology.