ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Sustainable fuel solutions: a comprehensive review of syngas in internal combustion engines

D. Christopher Selvam, Yuvarajan Devarajan, Beemkumar Nagappan, Arpit Arora, G. Madhan Kumar, and Debabrata Pradhan

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, India

E-mail: dyuvarajan2@gmail.com

Received: 10 February 2025  Accepted: 15 April 2025

Abstract:

Syngas, a gaseous amalgamation predominantly constituted of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂), presents a promising alternative to traditional hydrocarbon fuels utilized in internal combustion (IC) engines. Derived from a diverse array of feedstocks—including biomass, coal, and natural gas—syngas exhibits the potential to mitigate detrimental emissions such as CO₂, SOx, and particulate matter, thereby rendering it a more environmentally sustainable fuel choice. Its compatibility with extant infrastructure further augments its practicality for imminent adoption. Notwithstanding these benefits, challenges persist in enhancing the efficiency of syngas production and addressing the elevated nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions that are associated with high-temperature combustion processes. This review meticulously scrutinizes the environmental advantages, feedstock adaptability, and integration of syngas within IC engines while underscoring the technical and operational constraints. Propelling syngas as a feasible low-emission fuel necessitates ongoing research into combustion optimization and emission control methodologies, thereby reinforcing its significance in prospective sustainable energy frameworks.

Keywords: Biodiesel; Biogas; Hydrogen Energy; Hydrogen Fuel; Internal Combustion Engines; Syngas; Syngas; Alternative fuel; Environmental impact; Diesel Engine

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04069-6

Chemical Papers 79 (7) 4019–4027 (2025)