Wakefield G., Gardener M.
Oxonica Materials Ltd, UK
Keywords: catalysis, cerium oxide, engine deposits, fuel consumption
8nm cerium oxide is surface functionalised for diesel compatibility and added to fuel at a level of 5-8ppm. Static engine tests and large scale field trials show that engine fuel consumption is reduced by 5-8% and emissions, particularly of black carbon particulates and unburnt hydrocarbons are reduced by >15%. Cerium oxide acts as an oxygen donating catalyst which, as a refractory ceramic, survives the fuel burn and acts to improve engine performance in two ways. Firstly, the activation energy of cerium oxide is size related and as a consequence 8nm particles act to burn off carbon deposits within the engine cylinder at the wall temperature. The engine is progressively cleaned up by cerium oxide and performance improves. Secondly, the cerium oxide acts in the gas phase during the fuel burning to reduce the deposition of non-polar compounds on the cylinder wall. This indicates oxidation of fuel during the burn which in turn results in a reduction of engine deposit build up and carbon based emissions.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2007 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 21 - 24
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Sustainable Materials
ISBN: 1-4200-6382-0