Synthesis and characterization of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 and Fe3O4 nanoparticle ferrofluids for thermo-electric conversion

• Published in: Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials Vol. 335; pp. 159 - 162
• Main Authors: Sansom, C.L., Jones, P., Dorey, R.A., Beck, C., Stanhope-Bosumpim, A., Peterson, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.06.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Electric power generation; Energy harvesting; Exact sciences and technology; Ferrofluid; Ferrofluids; Fluid dynamics; Fluid flow; Fluids; Harvesting; Heat transfer; Heterogeneous liquids: suspensions, dispersions, emulsions, pastes, slurries, foams, block copolymers, etc; Material form; Nanostructure; Physics; Rheology; Waste heat; Energy harvesting; Ferrofluid; Heat transfer; Ferromagnetic fluid; Particle size; Iron oxide; Thermomechanical properties; Energy recovery; X-ray spectra; Dispersive spectrometry; Ferrites; Nanoparticles; Magnetite; Transmission electron microscopy; Waste heat; Coprecipitation
• ISSN: 0304-8853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2013.02.012

Ferrofluids containing nanoparticles of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 (MZ5) and Fe3O4 (magnetite) have been examined as potential thermal transport media and energy harvesting materials. The ferrofluids were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation and characterized by EDX to determine composition and by TEM to determine particle size and agglomeration. A range of particle coatings and carrier fluids were used to complete the fluid preparation. Commercially available ferrofluids were tested in custom built rigs to demonstrate both thermal pumping (for waste heat removal applications) and power induction (for power conversion and energy harvesting applications). The results indicate that simple ferrofluids possess the necessary properties to remove waste heat, either into thermal storage or for conversion to electrical power. ► The synthesis of nanoparticle ferrofluids based on Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 and Fe3O4 is reported. ► The thermal properties of the ferrofluids creates a novel pump with no moving parts. ► Thermal energy harvesting for conversion into electrical power is demonstrated.