Application of nanotechnology in bioethanol production and its effects on engine performance

Bioethanol is recognized as a highly promising alternative to conventional fossil fuels, offering potential solutions for both energy security and pollution challenges. However, its large-scale production from lignocellulosic biomass faces several limitations, including the feedstock complexity, the raw materials' nature, the enzymatic hydrolysis cost, and the lack of efficient co-fermenting yeast strains, all of which contribute to reduced bioethanol yields. Studies involving numerical simulations of Spark Ignition (SI) engines operating on ethanol-gasoline blends have revealed increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), alongside reductions in Carbon Monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC). The integration of nanotechnology into bioethanol has shown significant promise in enhancing the efficiency of biomass pretreatment, conversion to fermentable sugars, and fermentation processes. Furthermore, incorporating nanoparticles as fuel additives has led to notable improvements in engine performance and a reduction in harmful exhaust emissions. Specifically, the use of metallic nano catalysts facilitates oxidation reactions, thereby improving air-fuel mixture quality, which results in higher torque, increased engine power, and improved brake thermal efficiency. When metallic nano-oxides are added to ethanol-gasoline blends, they contribute to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions of CO, unburned hydrocarbons (UHC), and NOx, while slightly increasing CO₂ output. Thus, nanoparticles play a crucial role in enhancing fuel characteristics, optimizing engine efficiency, and minimizing pollutant emissions.