Green synthesized layered zinc tetrahydroxide bis nitrate as suitable nanoadditive for the reduction of NOx emissions in jet fuel

In this study we introduce a sustainable route to the green synthesis of zinc tetrahydroxide bis nitrate (Zn 3 (OH) 4 (NO 3 ) 2 ) nanoparticle additives using waste rapeseed oil as a synthesis medium. A solvent-free, low-temperature synthesis route starting at 110°C was developed yielding Zn 3 (OH) 4 (NO 3 ) 2 with temperature-dependent structural and morphological evolution as confirmed by XRD, FTIR, NMR, SEM, and TEM analyses. The nanoparticles synthesized at 130°C presented the smallest crystallite size, balanced organic–inorganic interactions, and a platelet-like morphology. Stability tests of these nanoparticles blended in Jet A-1 aviation fuel demonstrated that all formulations remained colloidal for at least 48 h, with the sample synthesized at 130°C retaining long-term stability exceeding four months. The measured physicochemical properties of Jet A-1 fuel containing nanoadditives remained within the ASTM D1655 specification limits for the parameters evaluated in this study. Emission tests confirmed a reduction in NO x , NO and NO 2 for the fuel blends containing nanoadditive synthesized at 130°C, with a reduction of NO 2 emissions of 18 % under combustion test conditions on a real airplane turbo motor. These results demonstrate that green-synthesized Zn 3 (OH) 4 (NO 3 ) 2 nanoadditives offer a practical, sustainable pathway to cleaner jet fuel emission and can serve as a complementary strategy alongside sustainable aviation fuels in advancing the aviation sector’s net-zero initiatives.