Fuel Additive Nanoparticle Carrier for Oxidation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel additives containing nanoparticles made from low-cost metals have not gained market acceptance due to their reactivity, particularly metal compounds that easily oxidize during combustion, and there is a lack of known methods for manufacturing additives with nonionic, ground state metals or metal mixtures or alloys.
Innovation Solution
Development of fuel additive compositions comprising a carrier miscible in hydrocarbon fuels and nonionic, spherical-shaped metal nanoparticles from noble metals, transition metals, or rare earth metals, which are highly stable and resistant to ionization, allowing for improved dispersibility and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fuel additives contain nanoparticles made from low-cost metals that are easily oxidized, then the additive can provide catalytic benefits and improve fuel combustion, but the nanoparticles become highly reactive and pose environmental safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a carrier material as an intermediary to deliver metal nanoparticles into the fuel. The carrier protects the nanoparticles during storage and handling, preventing premature oxidation and environmental release, while still allowing the nanoparticles to function when introduced into the combustion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment by encapsulating reactive metal nanoparticles within a stable carrier matrix. This inert environment prevents the nanoparticles from oxidizing during storage and transport, eliminating environmental safety concerns while preserving their catalytic properties for when they are introduced into the fuel.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If fuel additives contain metal compounds that easily oxidize during combustion, then the additive can provide catalytic control of emissions, but the additive becomes highly reactive and deposits on exhaust system surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier acts as an intermediary that delivers the metal nanoparticles to the combustion chamber where they provide catalytic emissions control. The carrier prevents premature reaction and controls the release location, reducing unwanted deposits on exhaust system surfaces while maintaining emissions conversion benefits.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fuel additives use non-ionic ground state metal nanoparticles, then the additive provides improved stability and reduced reactivity, but there is no known manufacturing method for such nanoparticles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-synthesizing stable, non-ionic ground state metal nanoparticles using controlled reduction methods before incorporating them into the fuel additive carrier. This advance preparation ensures nanoparticle stability and prevents oxidation during subsequent storage and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the oxidation state and ionic character of the metal nanoparticles during synthesis. By maintaining metals in their zero-valent non-ionic ground state through controlled reduction potentials and stabilizing ligands, the nanoparticles achieve enhanced stability while remaining manufacturable through established colloidal synthesis techniques.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The fuel additive compositions provide enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, corrosion resistance, and lower engine temperatures, while being environmentally safer due to their non-reactive nature.
Implementation Method 1
The fuel additive compositions contain metal nanoparticles that are dispersed within or contained on or within in a carrier that is readily miscible in a hydrocarbon fuel
Implementation Method 2
Following combustion, such compounds are carried by exhaust gases through the exhaust system and deposited on exhaust system surfaces to provide catalyst sites for conversion of toxic emissions
Data Source
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AI summary
Fuel additive compositions include a plurality of metal nanoparticles and a carrier that is dispersible in a hydrocarbon fuel. The metal nanoparticles can be spherical-shaped and/or coral-shaped metal nanoparticles. The carrier can be liquid, gel or solid and can be readily miscible or soluble in a hydrocarbon fuel such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, or fuel oil. The carrier can be a solid carrier configured to allow the hydrocarbon fuel to dissolve the solid carrier in order to release and disperse the metal nanoparticles within the hydrocarbon fuel.