The pool boiling behavior of nanoparticle coated surfaces is experimentally studied in pure water. Nanoparticle coatings were created during nanofluid pool boiling experiments (Al2O3-water/ethanol). The nanocoatings developed can significantly enhance the critical heat flux. Ethanol nanofluids created more uniform nanocoatings which outperformed nanocoatings created in water nanofluids. The wetting and wicking characteristics of the nanocoatings are investigated through contact angle measurements and by conducting a dip test. A linear relationship between the CHF enhancement and the quasi-static contact angles of the nanocoatings was revealed. Additionally, a mechanism potentially responsible for nanocoating CHF enhancement is identified. Published by Elsevier Ltd.