Fused Silica Nanoparticle Dispersion Characteristics in a Molten LiCl–KCl Eutectic Salt

Abstract Nanoparticles are of interest for heat transfer enhancement in molten salt reactors, energy storage, or as a catalyst for the control of chemical reactions. To investigate the interparticle structure of SiO2 nanoparticles suspended in molten LiCl–KCl, small-angle X-ray scattering studies were carried out. Complementary analytical and numerical simulations of the system were completed to examine several physical effects, including particle size, cluster geometry, and cluster size. Particle size and shape were accurately measured at low particle densities, and simulations were consistent with the multiparticle clustering structure. Nanoparticle aggregation in molten salts provides a sensitive probe of how short-range ionic correlations and nanoparticle surface chemistry determine effective interparticle interactions in high-temperature ionic media.