Nanofluids

Nanofluids are nanomaterial-based fluids which have been shown to have improved thermophysical properties compared to conventional fluids. They are composed of nanometer-sized particles suspended in a base fluid such as water or an organic solvent. The particles, usually metal oxides, carbon nanotubes or quantum dots, are typically between 1 and a few hundred nanometers in diameter. The thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and viscosity of a nanofluid can be significantly higher than that of the base fluid, making it attractive for use in a variety of applications. The enhanced thermal properties of nanofluids are attributed to the high surface area of the nanoscale particles, which increases the number of possible heat transfer pathways. This increased surface area also increases the number of collisions between particles, which can further improve the heat transfer efficiency of the fluid. Additionally, the particles can act as nucleation sites for the formation of bubbles or droplets, which can further enhance heat transfer. Nanofluids have been proposed for use in various cooling systems, such as for electronic devices, automotive engines, and nuclear reactors. They have been studied for use in solar thermal energy systems, as well as for cooling of high-power lasers. Additionally, nanofluids have been studied for use in biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering. Nanofluids are still in the early stages of , and further research is needed to explore their potential applications. However, the enhanced thermal properties of nanofluids promise great potential for a variety of applications.