Investigation of CeO₂/rGO Nanocomposites as Diesel Additives to Enhance Engine Performance and Reduce Exhaust Emissions

In this study, Cerium Oxide nanoparticles (CeO
2
NPs) and CeO
2
-rGO (Cerium oxide + reduced graphene oxide) nanocomposites are used to improve performance and reduce harmful gas emissions in diesel fuel. Cerium oxide nanoparticles and CeO
2
-rGO nanocomposites have been developed by one-pot hydrothermal process at different temperatures, viz. 100 °C, 300 °C, and 500 °C in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and aqueous ammonia. A few exhaust parameters were taken into consideration, including carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxide (NOx), unburned hydrocarbons (UHC), break thermal efficiency (BTE), and break specific fuel consumption (BSFC). The results showed that CeO
2
-rGO500 nanocomposites at 30 ppm reduce harmful emissions while increasing engine efficiency. This study further confirms the role of CeO
2
-rGO based nanocomposites as potential catalysts owing to their inimitable physiochemical properties.