A Review Study on Factors Affecting the Stability of Nanofluids

Abstract

Nanofluids are suspensions of nanoparticles in a base fluid. Nanofluids that have improved thermophysical properties can be used in different applications including cooling of electronic elements, engine cooling, heat transferring in heat exchanger devices, solar water heating, domestic refrigerator-freezers, space heating, air conditioning, and many other applications. On the other hand, however, instability in nanofluids is an important obstacle to their widespread use in different energy fields. In this study, a number of research related to nanofluid stability have been comprehensively reviewed to investigate the effects of various parameters on nanofluid stability. In general, little interest has been obtained in investigating the effect of different parameters simultaneously on the stability of nanofluids. Acidity degree of the nanofluid, nanoparticles material, ultrasonication, surfactants, base fluid type, nanoparticle concentration, and surface modification of nanoparticles are among the most important technologies that are intended to increase the stability of nanofluids. This study can be considered as a useful reference for addressing the long-term stability and production of high-quality nanofluids, which is an essential demand in the field of nanofluids.