Water hyacinth–derived biochar nano‐additives for diesel engines: Pyrolysis–performance coupling and soot reduction

Water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant that is most commonly removed c150 blend mechanically. The resulting biomass can be converted to biochar as an added value material. Biochar has various applications in the energy field. On the other hand, diesel engine fuel additives are becoming essential for enhanced performance of diesel and alternative fuels used in diesel engines. In this study, a comparison of the biochar produced from water hyacinth leaves (WHL) and stems (WHS) via various characterization is performed. Results show a higher heating value for WHL biochar but with a lower mass yield compared to WHS biochar. Additionally, WHL biochar is closer to various coal types on the van krevelen diagram compared to that of WHS. The resulting biochar was then tested for its application as a fuel additive in diesel engine in amounts varying from 50 to 150 mg/L. Results show an averaged reduction of 10% in break specific fuel consumption with the addition of 150 mg/L of WHL biochar produced at 1000°C in comparison to neat diesel at various loading conditions. Additionally, a reduction in the soot primary particle size of 14.5% was achieved under the same conditions.