Patent attributes
A stabilized composition comprising a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, such as JP-8, and a fuel additive, wherein the fuel additive comprises a graphitic carbon compound functionalized with a plurality of alkyl groups, wherein at least one alkyl group at each site of alkyl functionalization on the graphitic carbon compound has 8 or more carbon atoms, for example, poly(octadecyl)-graphene oxide. A method of increasing the energy density of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel involving adding to the fuel one or more alkyl-functionalized graphitic carbon compounds. The stabilized composition is useful for enhancing the properties of combustion processes, including energy density, thrust, flame speed, or a combination thereof, without introducing undesirable combustion effects, emissions, or combustion signature.