Dimethyl Ether as the Next Generation Fuel to Control Nitrogen Oxides and Particulate Matter Emissions from Internal Combustion Engines: A Review

Abstract

Dimethyl ether (DME) is a new generation fuel produced from natural gas and coal. This fuel can be used directly to a conventional internal combustion (IC) engine without any significant modifications. The main advantage of DME combustion in IC engines is the low NOx and particulate emissions compared with the fossil liquid fuel. Thus, the usage of DME in IC engines is potentially to improve engine efficiency and reduce emissions in the future with minimum attempts. This paper offers a comprehensive review of some topics related to DME as an alternative fuel for IC engines and efforts to increase its utilization to meet high efficiency and low emissions regulations in the future.