We explore the electrophoretic deposition of nanoparticles from a high particle volume fraction nanofluid as a convenient surface modification technique for enhanced boiling performance. Using a ZnO-propylene glycol based nanofluid, we demonstrate 200% improvement in the boiling heat transfer coefficient for deionized water boiled on a coated stainless steel surface under atmospheric pressure. Analysis using the Mikic-Rohsenow correlation, SEM imaging, and contact angle measurements of the surface suggests that the measured enhancement is due to an increase in the active nucleation site density. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.