Advanced Combustion and Spray Atomization Strategies for Low/Zero-Emission Engine Systems

The rapid evolution of global transportation and power generation sectors demands efficient and sustainable propulsion technologies. Internal combustion engines (ICEs) remain a dominant energy conversion system but face increasing challenges from stringent emission regulations and carbon neutrality goals. It is the conventional fossil fuels—not the internal combustion engine itself—that are being phased out, driving the global transition toward low-carbon and renewable fuel alternatives. Advances in combustion control, fuel design, and hybridization are essential to improving thermal efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Recent progress in diagnostic techniques, numerical simulations, and fuel chemistry has provided new insights into combustion phenomena, emission formation, and energy recovery, paving the way for cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready engines.



This Research Topic aims to address the pressing challenge of achieving high-efficiency and low-emission operation through innovative combustion and spray atomization strategies. While internal combustion engines continue to play a vital role in mobility and power generation, the pathway toward carbon neutrality depends on replacing conventional fossil fuels with low-carbon or renewable alternatives. The focus, therefore, is not on eliminating the engine itself, but on transforming the fuels and combustion systems that power it. This collection seeks to unite recent advances in experimental and numerical studies that deepen understanding of in-cylinder processes, fuel–air interactions, and after-treatment performance. Key areas include advanced combustion concepts (GDI, HCCI, PCCI, RCCI), optimization of injection and spray characteristics, waste heat recovery, hybrid power integration, and the application of biofuels, e-fuels, ammonia, and hydrogen. By bridging fundamental research with practical design, this Topic aims to promote cleaner fuels and smarter combustion strategies that ensure the sustainable evolution of energy and mobility systems.



This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, and short communications focused on advanced combustion and powertrain technologies in the context of the ongoing fuel transition. Areas of interest include fuel injection and sprays, combustion diagnostics, emission control systems, turbocharging, and energy recovery processes. Particular emphasis is placed on the utilization, characterization, and combustion behavior of alternative fuels—such as biofuels, e-fuels, ammonia, and hydrogen—and their integration into hybrid and next-generation internal combustion systems. Studies addressing transient operation, vehicle-level simulations, and real-driving emissions under new fuel conditions are highly encouraged. Contributions that link fuel chemistry, combustion phenomena, and control strategies to enhance efficiency and sustainability are especially welcome. Interdisciplinary research connecting fuel science, materials engineering, and propulsion technology is also within the scope.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: Combustion systems, Fuel injection and sprays, Alternative fuels, Emission reduction, Engine efficiency

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.