Biodiesel performance 'improved with nanoparticles'

Scientists have carried out biofuel testing to discover that the substance's performance can be enhanced with the addition of nanoparticles.

Published in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, the research shows that by adding alumina nanoparticles, the combustion of biodiesel is improved, while emissions are also reduced.

Authors of the study R B Anand and J Sadhik Basha have demonstrated that biofuel modified in this way outperforms standard biofuel.

Explaining that nanoparticles have this effect because of their "high surface-to-volume ratio" - which means they have more reactive surfaces - the researchers show they can better act as chemical catalysts and increase the level of combustion.

And fuels forged in this way also produce less carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide gases, the scientists claim.

The Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy is an online publication releasing research related to fields focusing on renewable and sustainable energies - in particular those that apply to engineering and physical science.