Influence of graphene oxide nanofluids and surfactant on thermal behaviour of the thermosyphon

The paper presents a thermal performance analysis of a thermosyphon filled with graphene oxide nanofluid. It focuses on factors influencing thermal resistance and geyser boiling processes, such as the presence of surfactant (here: sodium dodecyl sulphate), the time-related deterioration of nanoparticles, and working conditions. Results indicate that GO nanofluids improved heat transfer at low heat loads and that enhancements were limited to the evaporator section. Although thermal resistance of the device was similar for all tested working fluids at high evaporator temperatures, the time-dependent behaviour was different. Both water and GO nanofluid facilitated geyser boiling. Sodium dodecyl sulphate inhibited the phenomenon for pure water, but the same concentration of surfactant in the graphene oxide nanofluid did not show the same effect. SEM analysis showed that substantial amount of surfactant attached to the surface of graphene oxide flakes, which explains the previously described behaviour.