A novel approach to prepare solvent-free cerium dioxide nanofluids

ABSTRACT

This paper develops a novel approach to prepare solvent-free cerium dioxide (CeO₂) nanofluids through N,N-didecyl-N-methyl-N-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl) ammonium chloride covalently grafted on the surface of CeO₂ nanoparticles as core, and then poly(ethylene glycol) 4-nonylpheny 13-sulfopropyl ether sodium salt was grafted on the surface of CeO₂ nanoparticles through ion exchange reaction. It is obviously observed that CeO₂ nanofluids exhibited a solid state at room temperature, whereas they behave as liquid-like when being heated to above 45°C. To detect the properties of CeO₂ nanofluids, the morphology, thermal stability, dispersibility, and rheological behavior of CeO₂ nanofluids are mainly investigated. It is found that CeO₂ nanofluids can flow without solvent existence. Meantime, it shows good dispersion and stability in water and other organic solvents for weeks due to amphiphilic properties of the modifier molecules.

KEYWORDS:

• Cerium dioxide
• liquid-like
• nanofluids
• organic solvent
• stability

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant Number 51403165], Guidance Project of China Textile Industry Association [Grant Number 2015017], and Open Project Program of High-Tech Organic Fibers Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province [Grant Number PLN2016-02].