Dual plasma synthesis and characterization of a stable copper–ethylene glycol nanofluid

This article addresses the issue of metallic nanoparticle suspension (nanofluid) stabilization without the use of traditional surface-stabilizing agents such as surfactants. A dual plasma process for the single-step synthesis of a copper–ethylene glycol nanofluid is presented. The process uses a com...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Powder technology 2011-06, Vol.210 (2), p.132-142
Main Authors: Tavares, J., Coulombe, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
absorption
AGGLOMERATION
Applied sciences
Arc discharge
Chemical engineering
COMPOSITES
electron microscopy
ETHYLENE
ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Exact sciences and technology
FABRICATION
FLUID FLOW
Heat and mass transfer. Packings, plates
heat transfer
MICROSTRUCTURES
Miscellaneous
Nanocomposites
Nanofluids
Nanomaterials
Nanoparticle functionalization
Nanoparticles
Nanostructure
PARTICLES
Plasma processing
PLASMAS
RF plasma
Sintering, pelletization, granulation
Solid-solid systems
spectroscopy
Stabilization
SURFACTANTS
Suspension stability
Synthesis
temperature
vapors
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Summary:This article addresses the issue of metallic nanoparticle suspension (nanofluid) stabilization without the use of traditional surface-stabilizing agents such as surfactants. A dual plasma process for the single-step synthesis of a copper–ethylene glycol nanofluid is presented. The process uses a combination of low-pressure pulsed cathodic arc erosion to generate metal nanoparticles and in-flight radio-frequency glow discharge plasma functionalization for surface stabilization. The surface-stabilized nanoparticles are collected in situ by a falling film of ethylene glycol, the vapours of which are used for plasma functionalization. Little to no agglomeration is observed in the suspension, although this process is shown to occur when the produced suspensions are heated to temperatures well beyond the range of effectiveness of typical surfactants. This thermally induced agglomeration is demonstrated to be fully reversible. The stability of the suspension is confirmed by UV–Vis absorption spectrometry and electron microscopy. The particles synthesized are also shown to be re-dispersible in aqueous media. Though no heat transfer enhancement was observed due to the low nanoparticle loading, this study demonstrates for the first time that high temperature-stable nanofluids containing metal nanoparticles can be synthesized in a single-step, without manipulation outside the controlled synthesis environment and without the post-addition of surfactants. [Display omitted] ► Stabilization of nanoparticles suspensions (nanofluids) without using surfactants. ► Single-step synthesis, functionalization and collection of metal nanoparticles. ► Thermal stability over a larger temperature range than surfactants. ► Any agglomeration occurring at high temperatures is fully reversible.
ISSN:0032-5910
1873-328X
DOI:10.1016/j.powtec.2011.03.006