Ionic Thermofluids Containing Nanomaterials

In this proposal, NanoTechLabs will synthesize and evaluate ionic liquid based thermo-fluids incorporating carbon nanotubes to improve thermal management of high heat bearing equipment. Ionic liquids have desirable characteristics as thermal fluids such as: liquid over broad temperature ranges varying from sub-zero to greater than 300C, not prone to thermal cracking, environmentally friendly (non-volatile and non-toxic), and non-flammable. A variety of ionic liquids will be synthesized and characterized as thermal fluids. Carbon nanotubes will be incorporated into the fluids to enhance their thermal conductivity. Fluid and thermal characteristics will be measured as a function of carbon nanotube concentration.