Model fitting and analysis of dielectric properties in alcohol–fuel blends using terahertz and gigahertz spectroscopies

Alcohols from biological waste sources or renewable electricity (electrofuels) are gaining attention in hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as transport. Adding alcohol to conventional fuels has positive environmental effects on automotive applications, requiring minimal engine adjustments. Employing a...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Cova-Bonillo, Alexis, Patiño-Camino, Rayda, Brinklow, George, Lapuerta, Magín, Rodríguez-Fernández, José, Melillo, Jorge H., Cerveny, Silvina
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/400233
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/400233
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Alcohols
Debye relaxation
GHz spectroscopy
THz spectroscopy
Dielectric constant
Diesel fuels
Gigahertz
Terahertz
Descripción
Sumario:Alcohols from biological waste sources or renewable electricity (electrofuels) are gaining attention in hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as transport. Adding alcohol to conventional fuels has positive environmental effects on automotive applications, requiring minimal engine adjustments. Employing a combination of terahertz (THz) and gigahertz (GHz) spectroscopies, a comprehensive analysis of model fitting is presented for diesel-like fuels, pure alcohols (ethanol and n-butanol), and alcohol-fuel blends. Through the integration of data from both spectroscopic techniques, new Debye parameters are introduced to improve the accuracy of fitting for various fuels. This research demonstrates that THz spectroscopy alone is valuable for reasonable fits, particularly for alcohols. However, integrating THz and GHz spectroscopies leads to improved fitting, and to better potential to understand the behavior of fuel properties. In addition, the effect of alcohol concentration on the dielectric constant spectra in blends was investigated, highlighting the importance of molecular interactions. The results reveal a linear relationship between fitted parameters and alcohol content in the blends. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including challenges in achieving satisfactory fits at low alcohol concentrations and the necessity for assumptions in the modeling process. These findings provide a basis for future research and advances in fuel property modeling.