Role of ions in pool boiling heat transfer of pure and silica nanofluids

Abstract

Heat transfer in silica nanofluids at different acidity and base is measured for various ionic concentrations in a pool boiling experiment. Nanosilica suspension increases the critical heat flux 3 times compared to conventional fluids. The 10-nm particles possess a thicker double diffuse layer compared to 20-nm particles. The catalytic properties of nanofluids decrease in the presence of salts, allowing the particles to cluster and minimize the potential increase in heat transfer. Nanofluids in a strong electrolyte, i.e., in high ionic concentration, allow a higher critical heat flux than in buffer solutions because of the difference in surface area. The formation and surface structure of the deposition affect the thermal properties of the liquid.