Effect of metal oxide nanoparticles on the ignition characteristics of diesel fuel droplets: an experimental study

The present study experimentally investigates the effect of metal oxide nanoparticles on the ignition probability, ignition zone, and burning time of the diesel fuel. For this purpose, a series of hot plate ignition tests are conducted on the diesel fuel droplets with and without nanoparticles. The comparative performances of the pure diesel and diesel fuel containing 0.03 and 0.05 wt% of Al 2 O 3 , CeO 2 , Fe 3 O 4 , and TiO 2 nanoparticles are examined. The thermo-physical properties of the nanofuels, including thermal conductivity, viscosity, and heat capacity are also measured. The experimental results show that in the presence of metal oxide nanoparticles, the ignition probability significantly increases. It is observed that cerium oxide nanoparticles show the greatest effect on the ignition probability. In addition, it is found that the minimum hot plate ignition temperature decreases. Results show that the burning time and the ignition zone decrease by adding metal oxide nanoparticles.