Effects of Laser Irradiation on the Thermal Conductivity and Viscosity of Aqueous Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Suspensions

Abstract

The effects of KrF excimer laser irradiation (248 nm) on aqueous suspensions of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were experimentally examined. MWCNTs and sodium dodecyl sulfate were added to deionized water at a mass fraction of 0.5 %, and the suspension was ultrasonicated for 30 min. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the nanotube samples after laser irradiation indicated fractures and network disentanglement. The laser fluence affected the thermal conductivity and viscosity of the suspensions beyond a threshold of 50 mJ · cm−2. As the irradiation time progressed at a laser fluence of 144 mJ · cm−2, the thermal conductivity and viscosity decreased until they reached saturation. The thermal-conductivity enhancement decreased from 16 % to 5 %, and the low shear viscosity decreased dramatically to 1/200 the shear viscosity of the non-irradiated sample. Raman spectra and TEM images showed that the defects in the nanotubes increased upon laser irradiation. In conclusion, excimer laser irradiation of a suspension of MWCNTs provided an effective way to tune the heat transfer and rheological characteristics of suspensions.