While electric vehicles are becoming more mainstream and are on the roadmap (if not production line) of every major car manufacturer, the use of traditional gasoline engines will have a place in society for decades to come. Two recurring concerns of using fossil fuels are cleanliness and efficiency; we want our fuels to have minimal impact on the environment but also want to get the most miles out of every gallon (and dollar).
Everyone is familiar with the octane rating we see at the gas pumps and the corresponding prices that follow it; this is a rating of the fuel’s ability to resist engine knocking, or preignition within the chamber. As engines become more efficient they require a higher-octane rating to ensure proper operation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Using a lower octane fuel than required can cause the engine to run poorly and can damage the engine and emissions control system over time. It may also void your warranty.” (Renewable Fuels Association, 2018).
Traditionally, tetraethyl lead was used as an anti-knocking agent, but this caused dramatic spikes in atmospheric lead compounds and the subsequent banning of its use. Replacement compounds such as MTBE, benzene, toluene and xylenes were an improvement from the toxic heavy metal but still brought their own degrees of toxicity (Environmental and Energy Study Institute, 2014).
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