Abstract
Improving engine efficiency and reducing pollutant emissions are extremely important. Here we report our finding, using electrorheology to reduce the viscosity of diesel fuel. Diesel is made of many different molecules, 75% small molecules and 25% large molecules. In addition, it contains other nanoscale particles, such as sulfur. Therefore, diesel can be regarded as a liquid suspension. Under a strong electric field, the large molecules aggregate into small clusters, yielding a lower viscosity. This viscosity reduction leads to finer mist in fuel atomization, improving the combustion and engine efficiency.