Fabrication method for a TiO2 nanofluid with high roundness and superior dispersion properties

Abstract

This study describes the use of a new submerged arc nanofluid synthesis system to fabricate TiO2 nanofluids. Under vacuum conditions, this system uses the energy produced by an arc discharge to vaporize the desired metal. Then, the vaporized metal is cooled rapidly in a low-temperature dielectric liquid, forming nanoparticles that are evenly distributed inside the dielectic liquid. Experiments show that the fabricated TiO2 nanoparticles are much better than those fabricated by aerosol methods. In addition, the fabricated nanofluid has high suspension stability. We use X-ray diffraction to analyze the structure of TiO2 nanofluid. By measuring the Zeta potential of the TiO2 nanofluid with different pH values, the suspension stability of the TiO2 nanofluid is demonstrated. To verify the applicability of the TiO2 nanofluid, this study also analyzes and compares the rheological properties and reaction to light absorption of nanofluids with different average particle sizes. © 2007 The Japan Institute of Metals.