Fabrication and Characterisation of Tin Dioxide-Coated Gold Nanocomposites for Potential Use in Applications of Solar Steam Generation

Tshepho Trevor Makgale; Mmantsae Diale; Pannan I. Kyesmen

doi:10.25159/3005-2602/16241

Authors

Tshepho Trevor Makgale University of Pretoria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4444-8881
Mmantsae Diale University of Pretoria
Pannan I. Kyesmen University of Pretoria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/3005-2602/16241

Keywords:

nanofluids, Au@SnO2, nanocomposites, photo-absorption, photothermal materials, solar steam generator/generation

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of coating gold (Au) nanostructures with metal oxide nanocrystalline solids and the impact this has on the properties of the Au-based nanofluids. We created nanofluids by combining ethylene glycol base fluid with tin dioxide-coated gold (Au@SnO₂) nanocomposites. By encapsulating the Au nanostructures within SnO₂ nanocrystals, we were able to improve their structural stability and optical properties; this was confirmed by TEM micrographs and UV-Vis spectra. In addition, we found that the thermal conductivities of the Au@SnO₂-based nanofluids were 10% higher than their uncoated counterparts. This suggests that the Au-based nanofluids composed of Au@SnO₂ nanocomposites have potential in thermal energy management and electronic cooling systems.

Author Biographies

Mmantsae Diale, University of Pretoria

Prof.

Pannan I. Kyesmen, University of Pretoria

PhD

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