Gelled nanotube-containing heat transfer medium
According to some embodiments, the present provides a heat transfer medium that includes, but is not limited to a base fluid, a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotubes, and a gelling formulation formed of an amine surfactant, an intercalating agent, and an oxygen-bearing solvent. The heat transfer medium is adapted for improved thermal conductivity with respect to the base fluid.
1. A heat transfer medium, comprising:
a base fluid;
a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotubes; and
a gelling formulation that causes the heat transfer medium to form a gel, the gelling formulation comprising:
oleylamine;
a succinimide;
an intercalating agent; and
an oxygen-bearing solvent, wherein the single-walled carbon nanotubes are arranged in a network in the gel, and wherein the network comprises SWNT-oleylamine bonds.
2. The heat transfer medium according to claim 1 , wherein the base fluid is selected so as to be chemically compatible with an engine-related fluid.
3. The heat transfer medium according to claim 2 , wherein the engine-related fluid is selected from the group consisting essentially of coolants, lubricants, and fuels.
4. The heat transfer medium according to claim 1 , wherein the base fluid comprises an oil.
5. The heat transfer medium according to claim 4 , wherein the oil is selected from the group consisting essentially of bio-based oils, petroleum oils, synthetic oils, and combinations thereof.
6. The heat transfer medium according to claim 1 , wherein the concentration of the single-walled carbon nanotubes is greater than about 1 wt. %.
7. The heat transfer medium according to claim 1 , wherein the intercalating agent is selected from the group consisting essentially of weak van der Waals solvents, aromatic solvents, and combinations thereof.
8. The heat transfer medium according to claim 7 , wherein the intercalating agent comprises toluene.
9. The heat transfer medium according to claim 1 , wherein the oxygen-bearing solvent is selected from the group consisting essentially of aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and combinations thereof.
10. The heat transfer medium according to claim 9 , wherein the oxygen-bearing solvent comprises acetone.
11. The heat transfer medium according to claim 1 , wherein the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer medium is at least 10% greater than that of the base fluid.
12. A heat transfer medium, comprising:
a base fluid;
a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotubes; and
a gelling formulation that causes the heat transfer medium to form a gel, the gelling formulation comprising:
oleylamine;
a succinimide;
toluene; and
acetone, wherein the single-walled carbon nanotubes are arranged in a network in the gel, and wherein the network comprises SWNT-oleylamine bonds.
13. The heat transfer medium according to claim 12 , wherein the base fluid is selected so as to be chemically compatible with an engine-related fluid.
14. The heat transfer medium according to claim 13 , wherein the engine-related fluid is selected from the group consisting essentially of coolants, lubricants, and fuels.
15. The heat transfer medium according to claim 12 , wherein the base fluid comprises an oil.
16. A heat transfer medium, comprising:
an oil;
a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotubes; and
a gelling formulation that causes the heat transfer medium to form a gel, the gelling formulation comprising:
oleylamine;
a succinimide;
toluene; and
acetone, wherein the single-walled carbon nanotubes are arranged in a network in the gel, and wherein the network comprises SWNT-oleylamine bonds.