Stability of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Deionized Water with ZrP Nanoplatelets

The stability of nanofluid is an important property that needs to be researched. In our study, a novel method using Zirconium phosphate (ZrP) discotic colloid to disperse nanoparticles was proposed for improving stability. TiO2 nanofluid was prepared by dispersing TiO2 nanoparticles into exfoliated alpha-ZrP suspensions at different concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the shape, average size, and components of primary ZrP nanoplatelets. The absorbance of the suspensions was measured by a UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The results show that the stability first increased, and then decreased with increasing ZrP concentration at 1 wt.% TiO2. The effect was optimal at 2 wt.% ZrP. Thus, the hindrance of nanoplatelets in the aggregation and sedimentation of nanoparticles is the main reason for improving the stability of nanofluids.