Abstract
Diesel engines are particularly harmful to the environment due to the high levels of pollution they release. This led to the discovery of a sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel source. Mahua oil transesterified into biofuel seems to be the most popular option. The possibilities for nano-additions to enhance engine performance while simultaneously lowering pollution levels are substantial. In this research, 20% by proportion mahua biodiesel (MAH B20) was mixed with varying concen-trations of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles, and their joint effects on a mono-cylinder diesel engine working at a speed of 1500 revolutions per minute (rpm) were evaluated. With the use of an ultrasonic bath, the nanoparticles and MAH B20 were blended at varying concentrations and a surfactant was added for stability. The investigations concluded that the combustion and emission properties of mahua biofuel were improved because of the higher volume to surface area ratio of the combined Al2O3 and CeO2 nanostructures. The best results are found when mahua biofuel is mixed with Al2O3 and CeO2 each at 100 parts per million (ppm). The blend MAH B20 AL100 CE100 exhibits reduced brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) by 3.25%, increased brake thermal efficiency (BTE) by 1.39%, and reduced emissions of hydrocarbon (HC), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), and carbon monoxide (CO) by 30.73, 1.27, and 44.13%, respectively.