Thermal conductivity augmentation of reduced graphene oxide-based nanofluids and its solar application

In this research article, thermal conductivity (TC) of nanofluid prepared by the suspension of reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) in distilled water (as base fluid) is experimentally accessed. TC of the r-GO-based nanofluid is tested at different volume concentrations (ranging from 0.05 to 0.25%) of r-GO at different temperatures (20 to 60 °C). Results showed that the TC of r-GO-based nanofluids has a linear and polynomial relationship with temperature and concentrations, respectively. With 0.15 vol% of r-GO (concentration) in distilled water, at temperature of 60 °C, the maximum augmentation of TC was 27.5% higher compared to base fluid. A systematic comparative study revealed the subsequent increment in TC of r-GO-based nanofluids. Further, a temperature and concentration-dependent correlation model has been developed for obtained TC of samples. The findings shows promising potential for use as a cutting-edge heat transport fluid in solar applications and are in good agreement with previously reported literature.