What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to evaluate the combustion performance and durability of graphene-infused Pongamia biodiesel in compression ignition engines.

June 9, 2026Open Access

Integrated assessment of CI engine combustion and catalyst durability with graphene- infused Pongamia pinnata biodiesel

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the combustion performance and durability of graphene-infused Pongamia biodiesel in compression ignition engines.
Examined diesel-Pongamia methyl ester blends (B10, B20, B30) and their graphene-infused counterparts (30 ppm; B10Gr, B20Gr, B30Gr) at 1500 rpm under various loads.
Performed energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis after 500 hours of operation.
Focused on combustion, performance, emissions, and catalytic converter durability.
B20Gr achieved the highest brake thermal efficiency at 27.5%, compared to 25.8% for neat diesel and 25.1% for plain B20.
Biodiesel blends decreased CO and HC emissions, but NOx levels remained high.
After 500 hours, the catalytic converter's service life reduced by 33% with B20 and B20Gr as shown by EDS and SEM.

Abstract

The need for sustainable fuels in compression ignition (CI) engines is highlighted by the escalating energy crisis and stringent emissions regulations. This study examined diesel- Pongamia methyl Ester (PME) blends (B10, B20, B30) and their graphene-infused counterparts (30 ppm; B10Gr, B20Gr, and B30Gr) at 1500 rpm under various loads in a single cylinder CI engine. In addition to the comparatively unexplored topic of catalytic converter durability, the investigation concentrated on combustion, performance, and emission behaviour. Because of the improved atomisation and catalytic effects of graphene, B20Gr produced the highest brake thermal efficiency (27.5%) among the tested fuels, outperforming both neat diesel (25.8%) and plain B20 (25.1%). Nox levels remained high even though biodiesel blends showed a decrease in CO and HC emissions. After 500 h of operation, energy- dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed accelerated carbon deposition on the catalytic converter, which produced a 33% reduction in service life with B20 and B20Gr compared to diesel. The results indicate that graphene-enriched Pongamia bio-diesel can greatly enhance engine performance, however for long term sustainability, strategies to prevent after-treatment degradation are necessary for its wide spread use.

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