Development of synthesized fuels based on diesel by incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles, surfactant and ethyl acetate

A study investigated the performance effects of non-stabilized and surfactant-stabilized nanoparticles (NPs) in the presence and absence of ethyl acetate to optimize diesel fuel attributes. Various concentrations of NPs were added to diesel as the base material, with Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) used to assess nanofuel stability. Results showed that diesel containing modified 15–20 nm NPs, along with blended diesel fuel (BDF) with a Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value of 7.9, exhibited the highest stability over 48 h. The inclusion of NPs positively impacted parameters like calculated cetane index (CCI), initial boiling point (IBP), flash point, density, and viscosity. However, it reduced volatility and pour point. Tween 80 and Span 80 reduced CCI, volatility, and pour point while increasing flash point, density, and kinematic viscosity. Ethyl acetate did not notably affect volatility, density, or viscosity but improved cold-cranking index (CCI) and pour point during combustion by acting as an oxygen buffer. It also showed potential in reducing carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) in exhaust emissions