Analysis of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Porosimetry And Their Thermal Conductivity with Ionic Liquid-Based Solvents

Abstract

The suspension of nanoparticles with common heat transfer fluids like Ethylene glycol and water yields nanofluid exhibits superior thermal properties than their host fluids. Ionic liquids have the potential to demonstrate remarkable thermophysical properties (especially thermal conductivity) that ordinary nanofluids cannot achieve. On the other hand, the quantity and structure of nanoparticles porosity affects the nanofluid’s thermal conductivity considerably. Various investigations have revealed the improved thermophysical characteristicts of Multiwalled Carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanofluids containing common solvents or base fluids. However, only limited studies are available on the impact of thermal conductivity in Ionic liquid-based nanofluids (Ionanofluids) owing to their high cost and viscosity. Ultrasonication technique is employed in preparing the three different Ionanofluids containing 0.5 Wt.% via the two-step method to achieve a greater stability and thermal conductivity without utilizing surfactants. Experimental investigations are performed to boost the thermal conductivity of MWCNT/Propylene glycol nanofluid using 1,3-dimethyl imidazolium dimethyl phosphate [Mmim][DMP], 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium octyl sulfate [Emim][OSO4] and 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium diethyl phosphate [Emim][DEP] at a temperature ranging from 295 K to 355 K. The acquired results illustrated that the thermal conductivity of MWCNT Ionanofluids incorporated with [Mmim][DMP], [Emim][OSO4] and [Emim][DEP] increased by 37.5%, 5% and 2% respectively. This unique class of Ionanofluids shows incredible capacity for use in high temperature applications as conventional heat transfer fluids.