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High-Performance Ionanofluids from Subzipped Carbon Nanotube Networks.
Marzena Dzida1, Sławomir Boncel2,3, Bertrand Jóźwiak2,4
1Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Szkolna 9, Katowice 40-006, Poland.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|November 4, 2022
Summary
Ionanofluids with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and ionic liquids (ILs) show enhanced thermal conductivity. Nanotube structure and IL interactions create 3D networks, improving heat transfer for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Investments in thermal energy storage and renewable energy are crucial for economic infrastructure and post-COVID recovery.
- Ionanofluids (INFs), combining multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and ionic liquids (ILs), offer enhanced thermal conductivity, stability, and rheology.
- The precise mechanisms of heat transfer and rheology in INFs, influenced by nanoparticle morphology and IL interactions, require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of MWCNT morphology, physicochemistry, and IL-nanostructure interactions on INF heat transfer and rheological properties.
- To elucidate the mechanism behind the thermal conductivity enhancement in INFs.
- To provide a detailed description of the IL-CNT interface and the molecular structure of the continuous phase in INFs.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of MWCNT-IL interactions using advanced analytical techniques.
- Analysis of nanolayer coalescence and 1D geometry assembly in MWCNT bundles.
- Investigation of covalent interactions between broken nanotubes and IL cations.
- Study of anion conformation changes due to MWCNT surface proximity.
Main Results:
- Ultrasonication induced MWCNT bundle 'zipping' and formation of 3D thermal bridge networks.
- Stable networks of MWCNTs with ionic layers at junctions were identified.
- Covalent interactions were observed between broken nanotubes and IL cations.
- Proximity of MWCNT surfaces promoted the enrichment of the cis conformer of the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion.
Conclusions:
- The molecular perfection and supramolecular arrangement of MWCNTs significantly enhance INF thermal conductivity.
- A detailed understanding of IL-CNT interface interactions and continuous phase structure was achieved.
- These findings pave the way for designing more efficient heat-transfer fluids and miniaturized flexible electronics.
