Experimental investigation of the impact of CeO₂ nanoparticles in Jet-A and Jatropha-SPK blended fuel in an aircraft can-combustor at flight conditions

International consensus aimed at mitigating climate change, global perspective shift towards clean energy, uncertainties in conventional fuel supply, along with increasingly stringent emission norms for the aviation sector has prompted the ongoing research on low emissions aviation fuel technology. Consequently, aviation fuels blended with synthetic paraffinic kerosenes (SPKs) derived from Jatropha biomass have been tested extensively. The effect of nanoparticles (NPs) in the fuel blends towards emission reduction is not studied for aero-engines. This study aims to investigate the emissions impact of Jatropha SPK blended Jet-A aviation fuel along with CeO₂ (Ceria) NPs, in an aircraft engine can-combustor operated at representative flight conditions. The base fuel blends used were Jet-A (ATF), 80% Jet-A with 20% Jatropha-SPK (A80J20), and 30% Jet-A with 70% Jatropha-SPK (A30J70). NPs at 0.5% and 1% weight concentration were added to the base fuel blends, which resulted in nine different fuel types. NOx reduction is observed with increasing CeO₂ NP concentration. CO, UHC and soot reduction occurs with increasing Jatropha and CeO₂ content. CeO₂ NPs reduce all the emissions of concern, and could be an important additive for aviation fuel.