Investigation on the synergistic effect and thermal properties of poly-hydroxyethyl methacrylate encapsulated graphene quantum dot-paraffin hybrid nanofluid

Abstract

In this study, a novel water-based hybrid nanofluid was developed using poly-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-encased graphene quantum dot-paraffin nanocomposite (HEMA GQD-P). Graphene quantum dots (GQD) with an average size of 10 to 15 nm were synthesized by citric acid nucleation and the HEMA GQD-P nanocomposites were synthesized by an emulsion polymerization reaction. The emission spectra of GQD obtained using photo-luminescent spectroscopy confirm the occurrence of quantum confinement effect. The synthesis of HEMA GQD-P was carefully carried out to ensure its optimal properties. The synergistic effect due to high thermal conductivity of GQD and high latent heat capacity of paraffin were recognized in the enhanced properties of nanocomposite and hybrid nanofluid. The latent heat capacity of the synthesized nanocomposite was found to be 21.8 % higher than the pure paraffin. The prepared hybrid nanofluid possesses high dispersion stability at pH 7 and the thermal conductivity of the hybrid nanofluid enhances with an increase in nanoparticle concentration. A maximum thermal conductivity enhancement of 53 % (±2) was obtained for the hybrid nanofluid (0.3 vol%) at 30 °C. The present work reveals that the encapsulation of GQD-paraffin in a poly-hydroxyethyl methacrylate shell creates nanocomposites with high heat transfer properties. The synergistic effect of the HEMA GQD-P enhances their potential in the preparation of hybrid nanofluids with enhanced properties for desired thermal management applications.