More Fuel Efficient

Nanotechnology offers a number of applications which can make transport more fuel efficient.

One major example is cerium oxide nanoparticles from Oxonica. Branded 'Envirox', these are used in diesel fuel to greatly increase fuel efficiency. Introducing the nanoparticles reduces fuel deposits on pistons and cylinders, increasing fuel efficiency by about 10%, and also reduces emissions by approximately 15%. Click here for a demo of how it works.

Thermoelectric generators are expected to be used within the next 10 to 15 years to make use of the waste heat from vehicle engines and exhausts. These could replace the alternator and increase power by three to five horsepower, which again increases fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

Finally, nanotechnology is producing lighter materials, such as reinforced plastics which can be used instead of traditional heavier alloys for vehicle components. Lightening the overall vehicle weight can greatly increase fuel efficiency.

Lower Emissions

Advanced catalysts are an example of how nanotechnology offers great potential for reducing harmful emissions. Currently, impurities in fuel combined with inefficient reactions produce harmful emissions such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Nanostructured metal oxide catalysts can potentially decrease the amount of these pollutants by increasing both combustion efficiency and the breakdown of these gases into less harmful compounds.

Filters for diesel particulates are also being enhanced by nanotechnology. Nanoceramic devices collect matter at the exhaust, and use the high temperature to break particles down into gas molecules.