Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Synthesis of Graphene Nanofluids with Controllable Flake Size Distributions
Published on: July 17, 2019
Interfacial Effects of Nonionic and Anionic Surfactants on the Colloidal Stability of Graphene and Al2O3
Yasmin Wadzer1, Hussin Mamat1, Syed Afdhal Sayed Ghazali2
1School of Aerospace Engineering, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kejuruteraan, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang 14300, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) mixed with Jet-A, has attracted increasing interest as an alternative aviation fuel to reduce aircraft-related emissions and support long-term decarbonization targets. The incorporation of nanoparticles has been reported to enhance the physicochemical and thermophysical performance of the blends. However, the practical implementation of nanoparticle-based SAF blends is constrained by challenges associated with the long-term colloidal stability in nonpolar fuel systems. In this study, the interfacial effects of nonionic and anionic surfactants on the colloidal stability of graphene (Gr) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles dispersed in Jet-A/HVO blends were systematically investigated. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sorbitan monooleate (SPAN 80), and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) were evaluated at surfactant-to-nanoparticle ratios of 1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:2 to identify optimal stabilization conditions. Nanofuels were prepared using a two-step dispersion approach comprising magnetic stirring followed by ultrasonic homogenization to minimize nanoparticle agglomeration. The morphologies of Gr and Al2O3 were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Colloidal stability was assessed through visual sedimentation observations, thermal conductivity measurements, and ζ-potential analysis. The results indicate that SPAN 80 provides superior interfacial compatibility with both nanoparticles in the fuel blends compared to CTAB and SDBS, resulting in enhanced dispersion stability. Optimal stabilization was achieved at a surfactant-to-nanoparticle ratio of 1:1 for Gr and 1:2 for Al2O3, as achieved by higher absolute ζ-potential values and improved thermophysical behavior. These findings demonstrate the critical role of surfactant chemistry and interfacial interactions in governing the colloidal stability of nanoparticle-containing sustainable aviation fuel blends.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Surface Active Agents
01:23Factors Affecting Dissolution: Particle Size and Effective Surface Area
03:22Colloids
01:17Colloids and Suspensions
02:28Intermolecular Forces in Solutions
When the strengths of the intermolecular forces of attraction between solute and solvent species in a solution are no different than those present in the separated components, the solution is formed with no accompanying energy change. Such a solution is called an ideal solution. A mixture of ideal gases (or gases such as helium and argon,...
03:00Solubility
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of a solvent, the major component, and a solute, the minor component. The physical state of a solution—solid, liquid, or gas—is typically the same as that of the solvent. Solute concentrations are often described with qualitative terms such as dilute (of relatively low concentration) and concentrated (of relatively high concentration).
In a solution, the solute particles (molecules, atoms, and/or ions)...