This paper reports the results of experimental investigations on the influence of the addition of cerium oxide in the nanoparticle form on the major physicochemical properties and the performance of biodiesel. The physicochemical properties of the base fuel and the modified fuel formed by dispersing the catalyst nanoparticles by ultrasonic agitation are measured using ASTM standard test methods. The effects of the additive nanoparticles on the individual fuel properties, the engine performance, and emissions are studied, and the dosing level of the additive is optimized. Comparisons of the performance of the fuel with and without the additive are also presented. The flash point and the viscosity of biodiesel were found to increase with the inclusion of the cerium oxide nanoparticles. The emission levels of hydrocarbon and NOx are appreciably reduced with the addition of cerium oxide nanoparticles.

Cerium oxide being a rare earth metal with dual valance state existence has exceptional catalytic activity due to its oxygen buffering capability, especially in the nanosized form. Hence when used as an additive in the diesel fuel it leads to simultaneous reduction and oxidation of nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions, respectively, from diesel engine. The present work investigates the effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles on performance and emissions of diesel engine. Cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical method and techniques such as TEM, EDS, and XRD have been used for the characterization. Cerium oxide was mixed in diesel by means of standard ultrasonic shaker to obtain stable suspension, in a two-step process. The influence of nanoparticles on various physicochemical properties of diesel fuel has also been investigated through extensive experimentation by means of ASTM standard testing methods. Load test was done in the diesel engine to investigate the effect of nanoparticles on the efficiency and the emissions from the engine. Comparisons of fuel properties with and without additives are also presented.

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The use of anticorrosion pigments in polymeric coatings is an effective way for the prevention of corrosion of metals. Ceria nanoparticle-based pigments are excellent replacement for conventional chromate-based inhibitors that create severe toxicity and health hazards. The corrosion inhibition mechanism of ceria is associated with its Ce4+ ↔ Ce3+ redox shuttle and ability to form insoluble precipitates over the metallic substrate. Zirconium doping in ceria can enhance its redox properties by creating a large number of oxygen vacancies. However, corrosion inhibition properties of zirconium-doped ceria are not studied yet. In the present work, ceria–zirconia solid solutions (Ce x Zr1–x O2 nanoparticles) with different doping concentrations of Zr have been prepared using coprecipitation synthesis. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies revealed the formation of ceria–zirconia solid solutions with increased oxygen defect density. Thermogravimetric analysis exhibited enhanced oxygen storage capacity for Ce–Zr solid solutions. Ce x Zr1–x O2 nanoparticle-filled waterborne epoxy resin coating has been prepared on a mild steel substrate using the spin-coating technique. Electrochemical corrosion measurements were employed to analyze the corrosion inhibition properties of the coatings. Tafel polarization results and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis show excellent corrosion resistance for zirconium-doped ceria nanoparticle-filled epoxy coating. The corrosion resistance of the zirconium-doped ceria-epoxy coating increased with an increase in the doping concentration of Zr for Ce-rich Ce–Zr solid solutions (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.8). The corrosion inhibition property of ceria–zirconia solid solutions is attributed to the improvement in their redox properties due to a large number of oxygen vacancies.