Hybrid Plasma−Liquid Functionalisation for the Enhanced Stability of CNT Nanofluids for Application in Solar Energy Conversion

Ruairi J. McGlynn, Hussein S. Moghaieb, Paul Brunet, Supriya Chakrabarti, Paul Maguire, Davide Mariotti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
44 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Macroscopic ribbon-like assemblies of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are functionalised using a simple direct-current-based plasma−liquid system, with oxygen and nitrogen functional groups being added. These modifications have been shown to reduce the contact angle of the ribbons, with the greatest reduction being from 84° to 35°. The ability to improve the wettability of the CNTs is of paramount importance for producing nanofluids, with relevance for a number of applications. Here, in particular, we investigate the efficacy of these samples as nanofluid additives for solar−thermal harvesting. Surface treatments by plasma-induced non-equilibrium electrochemistry are shown to enhance the stability of the nanofluids, allowing for full redispersion under simulated operating conditions. Furthermore, the enhanced dispersibility results in both a larger absorption coefficient and an improved thermal profile under solar simulation.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere2705
JournalNanomaterials
Volume12
Issue number15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 6 Aug 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors would like to acknowledge the EPRSC for supporting this work through EP/M015211/1 and EP/R008841/1.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 by the authors.

Keywords

  • solar–thermal
  • plasma functionalisation
  • carbon nanotubes

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