A Review of Applications and Challenges Facing Use of Nanofluids

Fluids containing nanoparticle suspensions features significantly in heat transfer applications. This is attributed to their superior thermophysical properties compared to the conventional fluids. The thermophysical properties of nanofluids that makes them attractive for use in various fields include; enhanced thermal conductivity, convective heat transfer coefficient, viscosity, density, heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, emissivity and optical absorption. The current paper reviews the current trends in the application of nanofluids in various fields such as nanomedicine, renewable energy applications, automotive applications, electronic cooling applications, heating buildings, space and defense and in microbial fuel cell. The paper also explores the challenges associated with the use of nanofluids such as long term stability of nanoparticle dispersion, increased pressure drop and pumping power, toxicity and environmental implications associated with the use of nanofluids.