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Rice Husk Ash-Derived Silica Nanofluids: Synthesis and Stability Study.
Zhiliang Zhang1, Wenxiu He2, Jianzhong Zheng2
1Zhejiang Provincal Key Laboratory of Biofuel, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China. zhangzl@zjut.edu.cn.
Nanoscale Research Letters
|November 17, 2016
Summary
Rice husk ash (RHA) is a low-cost material for creating stable silica nanofluids. This research details a method for producing these advanced fluids, overcoming limitations of cost and stability for wider engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Nanofluids offer enhanced heat/mass transfer but face challenges in cost and stability.
- Agricultural waste presents an opportunity for sustainable material sourcing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize stable silica nanofluids using rice husk ash (RHA) as a low-cost silicon source.
- To investigate factors influencing nanofluid stability, including sonication, dispersants, and pH.
Main Methods:
- Silica nanoparticles synthesized from RHA (average size 47 nm).
- Nanofluids prepared via ultrasonic dispersion of silica nanoparticles in water.
- Stability assessed through parameters like sonication, dispersant type/concentration, and pH.
Main Results:
- Optimal conditions yielded highly stable silica nanofluids.
- Nanofluids exhibited no sedimentation, maintained particle size, and stable zeta potential after 7 days.
- Demonstrated RHA as a viable, cost-effective precursor for stable nanofluids.
Conclusions:
- Rice husk ash is a promising renewable resource for producing stable, low-cost silica nanofluids.
- Optimized synthesis parameters are crucial for achieving high nanofluid stability.
- This method addresses key limitations hindering practical nanofluid applications.
