ZnO intercalated into graphene oxide based 2-D binary composite for improved thermal properties using as a potential nanofluid.

[Display omitted] • The graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized using the modified Hummer method. • Sonochemically synthesized ZnO was deposited on graphene oxide to get a composite. • Well dispersed and stable composite nanofluids were prepared at varying wt.% concentrations for heat transfer studies. • The thermophysical, hydrodynamic, and thermal characteristics of composite nanofluids were analyzed in detail. • Heat transfer enhancement was analyzed in a closed conduit circular heat exchanger. Nanofluids have expanded a substantial approbation in the renewable and sustainable energy field. A small number of solid nanoparticles with higher thermal conductivity added into conventional fluid could develop a bigger improvement in heat transfer. The current study is focused on the preparation of metal oxide (ZnO) and Graphene oxide (GO) based composite nanofluids to achieve the higher thermal properties of composite as a potential nanofluid. The advanced hummer method and sonochemical techniques were used to synthesize ZnO, GO, and ZnO@GO composites. Further 2-step preparation methods were used to prepare ZnO@GO/DW based stable nanofluids at changing 0.1, 0.075, 0.05, and 0.025 wt% concentrations. All the materials were confirmed by different characterizations like XRD, RAMAN, FESEM, EDX, and UV–Vis analysis. At 0.1 wt% all the nanofluids showed a higher thermal conductivity, viscosity, and density which is 0.821 W/m.K, 2.85 kg.m−1s−1, and 1.0018 g/cm3. All the wt.% were tested for stability analysis using the sedimentation photograph method and found remarkable stability up to 5 weeks after the day of preparation without using any surfactant. Similarly, all the nanofluids were tested for hydrodynamic characteristics like friction coefficient (ff), pressure drop(ΔP), and pumping power (PP) where a notable value of friction was 0.057, a 12000 m. Pa pressure drop and 1.45 MPa pumping power were achieved at 0.1 wt% against the higher value of Reynold numbers (5849 to 24544). Finally, the greater development in average heat transfer/Nusselt numbers was achieved which is 3010/70 W/m2.K, 2490/42 W/m2.K, 2133/32 W/m2.K 2000/29 W/m2.K and 1000/W/m2.K for all wt.% and base fluid (DW) at a higher rate of Reynold Number. This all happened due to the use of ZnO and GO composite together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]