Dynamics of Silica Nanofluid Under Mixed Electric Field Effect

Purpose: We study the motion of Silica nanoparticles in water subjected to superimposed a.c. driven field and a bias d.c. field. Design/Methodology/Approach: We analytically solve the equation of translational motion of the silica nanoparticles in water subjected to bias dc and ac driven fields. The solutions of the equation of motion are confirmed with Molecular Dynamics simulations. Findings: The results from the study shows that the motion of silica nanoparticles can be controlled by the use of mixed electric fields. We also show that, beyond the Brownian motion, the size of the nanoparticle, external electric field amplitude and frequency and surface charge are the main parameters that control the particle’s motion within the fluid. Research Limitation/Implications: This work considers the effect of the dielectrophoretic force on the motion of the nanoparticle to be negligible. Practical Implication: The knowledge advanced in this work will afford sustainable nanomanufacturing application such as electrodepositing and the development of smart coolants with controllable thermal properties. An innovative application in enhanced recovery processes in the petroleum industry is also a possibility. Social Implication: This work comes as an advantage to the nanomanufacturing and petroleum industry, as the knowledge advanced in this work lays basis for the sustainable design and manufacturing of various materials such as special paints, coolants, adhesives, petroleum reservoir drilling and injection fluid etc. Originality/Value: The novelty of this work lies in the fact that, the mechanism of ceramic nanoparticle motion beyond Brownian limits using d.c./a.c fields is critically lacking for sustainable industrial applications.