Fabrication Method for a TiO<SUB>2</SUB> Nanofluid with High Roundness and Superior Dispersion Properties

Abstract

This study describes the use of a new submerged arc nanofluid synthesis system to fabricate TiO 2 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 TiO 2 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 TiO 2 nanofluid. By measuring the Zeta potential of the TiO 2 nanofluid with different pH values, the suspension stability of the TiO 2 nanofluid is demonstrated. To verify the applicability of the TiO 2 nanofluid, this study also analyzes and compares the rheological properties and reaction to light absorption of nanofluids with different average particle sizes.