Graphite microfluids
Fluids comprising graphite particles and related methods are generally described. In some embodiments, “microfluids” are described. Generally, the microfluids can comprise a fluid and a plurality of graphite particles with microscale dimensions.
1. A microfluid, comprising:
a hydrophobic fluid; and
a plurality of amphiphilic graphite particles having an average maximum cross-sectional dimension of between about 500 nanometers and about 10 microns, wherein the graphite particles form a stable suspension within the fluid, and the graphite particles are in the substantial absence of a surfactant.
2. The microfluid of claim 1 , wherein the fluid comprises an oil.
3. The microfluid of claim 1 , wherein the graphite particles are in the substantial absence of a stabilizing agent.
4. The microfluid of claim 1 , wherein the graphite particles comprise graphite flakes.
5. The microfluid of claim 1 , wherein the graphite particles comprise exfoliated graphite.
6. The microfluid of claim 1 , wherein the graphite particles have an average maximum cross-sectional dimension of between about 1 micron and about 10 microns.
7. The microfluid of claim 1 , wherein the concentration of graphite particles within the fluid is between about 0.01 vol% and about 2 vol%.
8. The microfluid of claim 1 , wherein the graphite particles remain stably suspended within the fluid for at least 1 day.
9. The microfluid of claim 1 , wherein the thermal conductivity enhancement of the microfluid is at least about 10%.
10. The microfluid of claim 1 , wherein the aspect ratio of the graphite particles is at least about 10:1.
11. A microfluid, comprising:
a fluid comprising at least one of water and an alcohol; and
a plurality of amphiphilic graphite particles having an average maximum cross-sectional dimension of between about 500 nanometers and about 10 microns suspended within the fluid, wherein the graphite particles form a stable suspension within the fluid, and the graphite particles are in the substantial absence of a surfactant.
12. The microfluid of claim 11 , further comprising an alkaline material.
13. The microfluid of claim 12 , wherein the alkaline material comprises a hydroxide salt.
14. The microfluid of claim 13 , wherein the hydroxide salt functionalizes at least a portion of the graphite particles.
15. The microfluid of claim 11 , wherein the fluid comprises water.
16. The microfluid of claim 11 , wherein the fluid comprises an alcohol.
17. The microfluid of claim 16 , wherein the alcohol comprises ethylene glycol.
18. A method, comprising:
adding a plurality of amphiphilic graphite particles to a fluid, wherein the plurality of graphite particles has an average maximum cross-sectional dimension of between about 500 nanometers and about 10 microns, and the plurality of graphite particles are in the substantial absence of a surfactant; and
forming a stable suspension of the graphite particles within the fluid.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising exfoliating the plurality of graphite particles prior to adding the particles to the fluid.
20. A microfluid, comprising:
a fluid; and
a plurality of amphiphilic flakes, wherein:
each of the plurality of flakes has an aspect ratio of at least about 10:1,
the plurality of flakes have an average maximum cross-sectional dimension of between about 500 nanometers and about 10 microns,
the plurality of flakes form a stable suspension within the fluid, and
the plurality of flakes are in the substantial absence of a surfactant.