Inhibitor additives to mitigate fossil fuel emissions and its potential role in promoting the energy transition in global cities
Johnson Kehinde Abifarin , Samson Okikiola Oparanti , Fredah Batale Abifarin , Esther Ogwa Obebe
Energy, Ecology and Environment ›› : 1 -26.
Inhibitor additives to mitigate fossil fuel emissions and its potential role in promoting the energy transition in global cities
Emission-based fuels are a major source of greenhouse gases like CO2, NOx, CO, SOx, and particulate matter, exacerbating climate change and air pollution. While post-combustion technologies, such as catalytic converters, help reduce emissions, they are expensive and do not address pollutants at the source. Inhibitor additives present a promising solution by modifying combustion chemistry to suppress pollutant formation, enhance oxidation efficiency, and improve fuel performance. Research shows that inhibitors, such as metal-based catalysts (e.g., CeO2, Fe-based compounds), oxygenated additives, and halogen-based flame suppressants, reduce emissions by altering radical chain reactions and promoting complete combustion. When integrated with alternative fuels like biofuels, inhibitors further support energy transitions in global cities by enabling cleaner and more efficient combustion. However, challenges like fuel compatibility, secondary emissions, and long-term engine performance effects must be addressed. Understanding the mechanisms, efficiency, and limitations of inhibitors is crucial for optimizing them in sustainable combustion systems. As emission regulations tighten, inhibitor-based strategies offer a cost-effective, scalable solution to reduce fossil fuel-related pollution. This review explores recent advancements, practical applications, and future research directions to bridge the gap between fundamental science and real-world deployment in energy and transportation sectors.
Catalytic inhibitors / Chemical inhibitors / Machine learning and AI / Urban energy transition / Fuel additives / Emissions reduction
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The Author(s)
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