Convective Heat and Mass Transfer of Nanofluids

Dear Colleagues,

Convective heat transfer exists in many industrial heating and cooling processes. Traditionally, the enhancement of convective heat transfer rate relies on the modification of flow geometry, surface topologies, or fluid thermal properties. While extensive research works have been carried out in past decades, a new innovative idea using colloid supensions of nanoparticles to improve the thermal conductivity of the based fluid has attracted much attention in both research and industrial communities and is now referred to as nanofluids.

Nanofluids are an emerging new heat transfer media in which nanometer-sized particles are suspended in conventional fluids. The early development of nanofluids has focused on exploring their potential in heat transfer augmentation by increasing the effective thermal conductivity of the fluid. Substantial research works have also been conducted that characterize the boiling behavior of nanofluids in microchannels and wettability on surfaces. The improved properties open up a wide range of applications, such as convective heat and mass transfer. Depending on its shape and concentration, nanoparticles in the fluid also exhibit non-Newtonian behavior (i.e., shear thinning/thickening), which substantially affects the resultant convective current and its associated heat and mass transfer performance. Lately, electrochemically active nanoparticles in electrolyte base fluid demonstrate great potential in high energy density storage and flow battery applications. Studies have suggested that a percolation network could form within highly concentrated nanofluids, facilitating an effective charge transfer mechanism. A unique mechanism benefits from Brownian motion and collision among nanoparticles.

The above information only exemplifies a few physical phenomena involved in nanofluid applications. Although much research efforts have been made to elucidate the underlaid physical mechanism, there are still many inconsistent theories and conspicuous hypothesis unanswered. This Special Issue is developed to collect and showcase the current state-of-the-art of nanofluids and their potential applications. Because of the complex behavior of nanofluids, fundamental and applied studies in nanofluids are welcome. Review articles that provide a comprehensive review of specific topics, including, but not limited to, thermal-physical properties, rheological characterization, electrochemically active nanofluidics, are welcome. Papers that focuse on the expansion of nanofluid applications in diverse, multidisciplinary research and development are also welcome.

Dr. Sherman Cheung
Prof. Dr. Guan Heng Yeoh
Guest Editors

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