Preparation of nanofluids from functionalized Graphene by new alkaline method and study on the thermal conductivity and stability

In this study nanofluids from functionalized Graphene were prepared by alkaline method. The nanosheet Graphene was synthesized by using CVD method. For dispersion of Graphene in water, it was hydrophilic by treating with the new alkaline method. Herein, it was reported as a facile and effective approach in preparing water-soluble Graphene by considering the potassium carboxylate (-COOK) as a mild oxidation process using potassium persulfate (KPS). Different parameters of time and temperature effects on thermal conductivity variations of alkaline functionalized Graphene (AFG) at different concentrations have been studied. The best result shows enhancement of thermal conductivity around 14.1% for the sample with 0.05 wt.% of AFG compared to water at 25 degrees C and 17% at 50 degrees C. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.