Comparative analysis of photothermal boiling of water enhanced by nano- and micro-particles of carbon black

Abstract The paper describes the effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the steam generation during photothermal boiling of carbon nanofluids. The considered process finds promising applications for e.g. solar desalination where SDS may boost steam generation. Our study was carried out in a lab system boiling aqueous suspensions of carbon by means of artificial thermal radiation. The experiments demonstrate that the newly-produced nanofluids turn into suspension when no SDS is present in the fluid. The agglomeration of nanoparticles reduces the stability of the system yet degrades the steam generation by no more than 8.2%. The optimum particle concentration was about 2% wt. independently of whether SDS was present in samples. The steam was superheated by up to 12 K when using the surfactant which was 5–7 K higher than without SDS. The experimental data was supported by a theoretical analysis.