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Eco-friendly diesel fuels: How biodiesel-ethanol blends cut emissions without sacrificing power

Author

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  • Karimi, Mahmoud
  • Kheiralipour, Kamran
  • Khoobbakht, Mohammad

Abstract

The global transition to sustainable energy necessitates innovative strategies to decarbonize diesel engines while maintaining performance and compliance with environmental regulations. This study develops and evaluates an optimized ternary biodiesel-ethanol-diesel blend (B12E3D85) through an integrated framework combining experimental engine testing, response surface methodology, and life cycle assessment (LCA). Algae biodiesel and molasses-derived ethanol were blended with diesel, and a central composite design was employed to model interactions between fuel composition (0–40 % biodiesel, 0–20 % ethanol), engine speed (1000–2800 rpm), and load (20–100 %). Multi-objective optimization using desirability functions identified 12 % biodiesel, 3 % ethanol, 1900 rpm, and 60 % load as optimal parameters, achieving a 72 % reduction in CO, 65 % in HC, and 57 % in smoke opacity compared to diesel, with a moderate NOx penalty (14 % increase). The ternary blend retained 97 % of diesel's brake power and 92 % of its torque while achieving near-diesel thermal efficiency (37.6 %). Comparative LCA revealed the blend's intermediate global warming potential (134.25 g CO2 eq/kWh), 13 % lower fossil fuel depletion than diesel, and reduced ecotoxicity relative to pure biodiesel. However, trade-offs in human toxicity and NOx-driven acidification highlight the need for multi-criteria policy frameworks. The B12E3D85 blend emerges as a pragmatic, drop-in fuel compatible with existing engines, aligning with decarbonization mandates like the EU Renewable Energy Directive. This work bridges the gap between performance optimization and systemic environmental analysis, offering a transitional pathway for diesel-dependent sectors.

Suggested Citation

  • Karimi, Mahmoud & Kheiralipour, Kamran & Khoobbakht, Mohammad, 2026. "Eco-friendly diesel fuels: How biodiesel-ethanol blends cut emissions without sacrificing power," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 342(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:342:y:2026:i:c:s0360544225050728
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139430
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karimi, Mahmoud & Jenkins, Bryan & Stroeve, Pieter, 2014. "Ultrasound irradiation in the production of ethanol from biomass," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 400-421.
    2. Kheiralipour, Kamran & Khoobbakht, Mohammad & Karimi, Mahmoud, 2024. "Effect of biodiesel on environmental impacts of diesel mechanical power generation by life cycle assessment," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
    3. Pan, Suozhu & Cai, Kai & Cai, Min & Du, Chenbo & Li, Xin & Han, Weiqiang & Wang, Xin & Liu, Daming & Wei, Jiangjun & Fang, Jia & Bao, Xiuchao, 2021. "Experimental study on the cyclic variations of ethanol/diesel reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) combustion in a heavy-duty diesel engine," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(C).
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