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Herein, we present a novel blended solid polymer electrolyte system composed of polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-co-HFP) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with the addition of phenothiazine (PZ) as an additive and iodide/triiodide (I-/I3-) as a redox couple in nanocrystalline TiO2 dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The characterization of the blended solid polymer electrolyte was conducted using techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, and current-voltage (I-V) measurements. Our analyses revealed a decrease in the degree of crystallinity in PVDF-co-HFP/PMMA-based blended solid polymer electrolytes due to the incorporation of PZ, as observed through XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The electrical conductivity of the optimized solid polymer electrolyte film was determined using complex impedance spectroscopy, showing a maximum ionic conductivity value of 3.2 × 10-7 Scm-1 at ambient temperature (298 K). DSSCs based on nanocrystalline TiO2 were fabricated, and the cell parameters, including short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (ff), and photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency (η), were evaluated. The DSSC fabricated with the polymer electrolyte exhibited values of 9.3 mA/cm2, 800 mV, 0.56, and 5.2% for Jsc, Voc, ff, and η, respectively, under 80 mW/cm2 at AM 1.5 simulated solar irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the potential of using coconut fatty acid distillate (CFAD), a by‐product of the processing of edible oils, as a diesel engine fuel. The major novelty of this study is to assess the CFAD as a viable feedstock of biodiesel to address global energy demands. CFAD has not been specifically researched as a feedstock for producing biodiesel or as a fuel for diesel engines, despite the fact that numerous studies on the production and performance of biodiesel have already been conducted. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography (GC), and FTIR were used to analyze the fuel. According to the results of the GC test, CFAD oil contains 91.53% saturated fatty acids, compared with only 8.47% unsaturated fatty acids. High saturation values can be seen in myristic acid (16.92%) and lactic acid (45.33%). Longer hydrocarbon chain lengths indicate higher energy density and boiling point, which also indicate lesser volatility. At a frequency of 1708.54 cm−1, C─H stretching vibrations have been identified through FTIR investigation. The vibrations of C─C stretching at 1465.47 cm−1 indicate the presence of alkenes/fingerprint phase. The blends used for this investigation include 90% diesel with 10% CFAD (CFAD10), 80% diesel with 20% CFAD (CFAD20), 70% diesel with 30% CFAD (CFAD30), and 100% CFAD. The CFAD 10%, 20%, and 30% blends as well as the CFAD100 had brake thermal efficiency values of 27.24%, 26.23%, 24.88%, and 21.52%, correspondingly, at full load. The average increment in brake‐specific energy consumption for CFAD10, CFAD20, CFAD30, and CFAD100 over diesel fuel was 8.23%, 10.88%, 13.77%, and 25.90%, respectively. The behavior of CFAD exhibits reduced cylinder pressure because of the large content of moderate saturated fatty acids in this substance. The net heat release rate (NHRR) and cylinder pressure have a similar relationship in that the NHRR increases with increasing diesel volume. In comparison to diesel, the CO emissions from the CFAD20, CFAD30, and CFAD100 blends increased by 10.79%, 16.66%, and 35.89% at maximum load, respectively. It has been reported that NOx is reduced more significantly the more CFAD is present in the mixture. The blend CFAD10 had the least amount of smoke. The high viscosity of the CFAD and its blends influences the fuel droplets range and the development of spray in the cylinder, which results in delayed combustion and higher unburned hydrocarbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional hydrocarbon-based fuels are known for their emissions of partially burned hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. The demand for alternative fuels to replace petroleum-based fossil fuels has been steadily increasing over the past decade due to concerns over air pollution, environmental issues, petroleum production uncertainties, and reducing dependence on petroleum products. In this study, hydrogen, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), and nitrogen were introduced into COME20 (Corn oil methyl ester) fuel. The addition of nitrogen with 26.64% hydrogen and 20% EGR resulted in a decrease in Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) and reduced levels of NOx emissions. Various concentrations of nitrogen (6.66%, 9.99%, and 13.32%) were investigated with 26.64% hydrogen and 20% EGR, and the performance, emission, and combustion parameters were evaluated and compared to COME20 and neat diesel. Notably, when nitrogen was absent (0%) and hydrogen and EGR were present at 26.64% and 20% respectively, an increase in BTE was observed compared to the combinations with nitrogen. The addition of nitrogen led to higher levels of CO and HC emissions compared to COME20 and neat diesel at all loads. However, the addition of any percentage of nitrogen with 26.64% hydrogen and 20% EGR resulted in reduced NOx emissions. Additionally, the study revealed a decline in heat release rate and cylinder pressure with the introduction of nitrogen and EGR alongside hydrogen, in contrast to COME20 and diesel. Finally, increasing quantities of nitrogen led to an increase in the ignition delay period. [Display omitted] • EGR recirculates exhaust gases to cut emissions. • Hydrogen improves anti-knock properties and boosts power. • High flame speed enhances combustion and efficiency. • Nitrogen lowers temperature and pressure for better engine performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the significant increase in transportation, traditional fossil fuels utilised in internal combustion engines will only be accessible for a limited duration. Additionally, the harmful pollutants produced by these fuels, including CO, NO x , unburned hydrocarbons, smoke, and a small amount of particulate matter, have a severe negative impact on the environment. Although biodiesel proves efficient without necessitating engine modifications, its performance is hindered by its higher viscosity. Consequently, this research aims to enhance performance by introducing acetylene alongside tamanu methyl ester (biodiesel); however, this approach results in elevated NO x levels. To mitigate NO x emissions, a combination of ethanol and biodiesel is employed. This study investigates the performance and emission attributes of Acetylene + TME90E10 as the fuel. The combustion pressure and heat release rate of TME90E10 with 6 lpm, improved by 5.41% and 9.1% than diesel. When compared to regular diesel fuel, the introduction of 6 l per minute of acetylene with TME90E10 yields a substantial 24.4% decrease in hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. Furthermore, employing TME90E10 at the same acetylene flow rate demonstrates the lowest carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, registering at 0.07%, in contrast to the 0.13% emissions observed throughout the exhaust cycle when using pure diesel fuel., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval: Not applicable. Consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)