Characterization of synthesized copper oxide nanopowders and their use in nanofluids for enhancement of thermal conductivity

Abstract

Three copper oxide nanopowders were synthesized by three different copper precursors, CuSO₄.5H₂O, Cu(NO₃)₂.3H₂O and (CH₃COO)Cu.H₂O and characterized by FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal conductivity and cyclic voltammetry. These parameters were compared with the sample of CuO nano-powder procured from Sigma Aldrich. The positions of FTIR and XRD peaks are nearly similar for the synthesized CuO nanopowders as well as Sigma Aldrich CuO nanopowder. Substantial enhancement of thermal conductivity (60%) has been observed in nanofluid prepared from CuO nanopowder obtained from (CH₃COO) Cu.H2O precursor. The electrochemical behaviour of acidic solution of all CuO nanopowders indicates Cu^2+/0 and Cu^0/2+ electrode reaction and irreversible redox nature.