Should we consider the agglomeration of nano-particles while selecting the surfactant?
We may consider CNT or graphene nanoparticles which are dispersed in base fluid water .
Actually the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in base fluids are not uniform due to their highly hydrophobic nature. For the proper dispersion and good stability of CNTs, a shift is required from hydrophobic nature to hydrophilic nature either by functionalization or by adding a surfactant.
And agglomeration of nanoparticles are important factor to consider. To avoid the agglomeration, you can go for ultrasonication after adding a proper surfactant to enhance the stability of CNT nanofluids.
Hope your doubt will clear.
off course we Should consider about the agglomeration of nano-particles,
With smaller particle size there is higher relative surface and more surface atoms (less unstable system), thus agglomeration may occur. In case of very small particles size (~5 nm) it may be difficult to see separate particles. In many cases the particles give larger ones. This is why people may need to use surfactants to prevent agglomeration or particle growth.
CNT or graphene nanoparticles won't dissolve properly in Aqueous, particle size will be too larger it will be roughly around micrometer..
Actually the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in base fluids are not uniform due to their highly hydrophobic nature. For the proper dispersion and good stability of CNTs, a shift is required from hydrophobic nature to hydrophilic nature either by functionalization or by adding a surfactant.
And agglomeration of nanoparticles are important factor to consider. To avoid the agglomeration, you can go for ultrasonication after adding a proper surfactant to enhance the stability of CNT nanofluids.
Hope your doubt will clear.
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