This research presents a detailed analysis of unsteady two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow in a squeezed geometry, addressing the combined effects of heat and mass transfer. The study uniquely incorporates the influence of viscous dissipation, radiation, and cross-diffusion within the flow between two parallel plates, where the lower plate remains fixed and the upper plate undergoes motion. This study is crucial for enhancing the design and optimization of advanced heat transfer systems, especially in industries where efficient thermal management and precise control over fluid dynamics are essential. To tackle the complex governing equations, the study employs a methodical approach, transforming these equations into dimensionless ordinary differential equations by applying suitable dimensionless transformations. The transformed equations are then solved using the optimal homotopy analysis method (OHAM). The validation of OHAM approach is performed by comparing the results with those from established literature, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the obtained solutions. The research provides a comprehensive investigation into how various dimensionless parameters such as the Brownian motion parameter, radiation parameter, cross-diffusion effects, and chemical reaction rate that affect the flow characteristics, including velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles. These effects are depicted through detailed graphical representations. This paper also provides a detailed analysis of the Nusselt number, skin friction coefficient, and Sherwood number in tabular form, offering a comprehensive view of the system's behaviour. The heat transfer rate with the rise in Dufour number gets reduced by 5.26% in the nanofluid flow. The reduction in the temperature as well as velocity profile is obtained for the greater values of magnetic parameter.
Bhaskar et al. (2026) studied this question.