In this study, CHF characteristics in pool boiling according to CuO nanoparticles deposition characteristics are investigated compared with that of pure water. The deposition characteristics are controlled by using in-house prepared CuO nanofluids in two ways such as one-step method of pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) and two-step method of particles dispersion. Morphology of CuO nanoparticles in shape and size is analyzed by TEM while SEM images are obtained to observe the deposition structures on heated surfaces. Also, contact angle and capillary height for deposition layer on the surfaces after pool boiling experiments are measured to investigate the surface wettability. Rayleigh-Taylor instability wavelength on the surface with respect to a unified CHF enhancement mechanism is measured indirectly by a condensation method. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.