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Nanofluids for Heat Transfer: Advances in Thermo-Physical Properties, Theoretical Insights, and Engineering Applications

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  • Ashan Induranga

    (Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Center for Nano Device Fabrication and Characterization (CNFC), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Chanaka Galpaya

    (Center for Nano Device Fabrication and Characterization (CNFC), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Vimukthi Vithanage

    (Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Center for Nano Device Fabrication and Characterization (CNFC), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Faculty of Graduate Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Amalka Indupama

    (Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Center for Nano Device Fabrication and Characterization (CNFC), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Faculty of Graduate Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Kaveendra Maduwantha

    (Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Center for Nano Device Fabrication and Characterization (CNFC), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Niroshan Gunawardana

    (Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Center for Nano Device Fabrication and Characterization (CNFC), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Dasith Wijesekara

    (Center for Nano Device Fabrication and Characterization (CNFC), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Prasad Amarasinghe

    (Center for Nano Device Fabrication and Characterization (CNFC), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Helitha Nilmalgoda

    (Center for Nano Device Fabrication and Characterization (CNFC), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Faculty of Graduate Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Kasundi Gunasena

    (Center for Nano Device Fabrication and Characterization (CNFC), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Hasith Perera

    (Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Shen Hosan

    (Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

  • Kaveenga Koswattage

    (Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
    Center for Nano Device Fabrication and Characterization (CNFC), Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka)

Abstract

Nanofluids, fluids with different suspended nanoparticles, have shown improved thermo-physical properties in recent research outputs, and they have emerged as promising alternatives for the industrial fluids used in numerous heat exchange applications. Much research has been conducted around the world to develop heat transfer fluids with optimum thermo-physical properties with the help of nanotechnology, especially in the 21st century. Following the latest research outcomes, nanofluids with base fluids of industrially used coolants, such as water, engine oil, transformer oil, electronic coolants, etc., have shown imposing thermo-physical properties compared to their base fluid. Identifying the nanofluids with high performances and lesser practical obstacles to be used as heat transfer fluids is vital. This paper reviews the thermo-physical property improvements of nanofluid properties, such as thermal conductivity, viscosity, density, specific heat capacity, and flash point, along with their theoretical models. Recent studies on using surfactants to improve the stability of nanofluids are also included in this review. The next part of the study reviews the latest research outputs on the thermo-physical properties of nanofluids in applications in engineering disciplines. Later, research on molecular dynamics simulations of nanofluids are discussed. As the final section, this paper presents Nanofluid research related to neural network modeling. Cumulatively, this paper presents a comprehensive review of recent nanofluids research, along with theoretical developments. This review is a cumulative study of the recent studies of nanofluid research in different disciplines. Most of the recent reviews focused on specific applications of nanofluids and do not cover the field from the basics of the nanofluids to their applications. However, this review covers all the aspects of the nanofluid field, along with several important engineering applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Ashan Induranga & Chanaka Galpaya & Vimukthi Vithanage & Amalka Indupama & Kaveendra Maduwantha & Niroshan Gunawardana & Dasith Wijesekara & Prasad Amarasinghe & Helitha Nilmalgoda & Kasundi Gunasena , 2025. "Nanofluids for Heat Transfer: Advances in Thermo-Physical Properties, Theoretical Insights, and Engineering Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-32, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:8:p:1935-:d:1631903
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    References listed on IDEAS

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