Evaluation of the effect of using carbon quantum dots as additives to commercial diesel on combustion parameters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26507/paper.4717Keywords:
puntos cuánticos de carbono (CQDs), retraso en la ignición, tasa de combustión, temperatura de combustión, técnica shadowgraph, microexplosiones, óxidos de nitrógenoAbstract
Diesel fuel has played a fundamental role in economic development, powering critical sectors such as freight transportation, power generation, and heavy machinery. However, diesel engines pose significant environmental challenges due to the emission of particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These concerns have driven the pursuit of alternative strategies aimed at minimizing environmental impact while maintaining combustion efficiency. In this context, carbon-based nanomaterials—particularly carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as promising additives. CQDs have the potential to enhance fuel reactivity, increase combustion rates, shorten ignition delay, and elevate combustion temperatures. This study investigates the effects of CQD/n-butanol dispersions in diesel fuel at concentrations of 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L. A single-droplet combustion system, combined with shadowgraph optical techniques, was employed to analyze critical parameters, including ignition delay, combustion temperature, burning rate, and micro-explosion formation. The results demonstrate that the addition of CQDs led to a reduction in ignition delay compared to conventional diesel and significantly promoted the occurrence of micro-explosions. This phenomenon facilitates improved air–fuel mixing and promotes more complete combustion. These findings suggest that CQDs represent a viable strategy for reducing pollutant emissions from diesel engines without compromising engine performance, thereby supporting a more sustainable energy transition as alternative technologies continue to mature.
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