New Trends and Processes in Nanofluids and Carbon-Based Nanoparticles

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 10352

Special Issue Editors

Department of Physics and Medical Engineering, Rzeszów University of Technology, Rzeszów, Poland
Interests: nanofluids; electrical properties; thermophysical properties; nanocomposites; phase change materials; dielectric properties
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Guest Editor
Department of Applied Physics, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
Interests: thermal fluids; nanofluids; phase change materials; nanoemulsions; thermophysical properties; differential scanning calorimetry; rheological behavior; thermal analysis; heat and mass transfer performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The ceaseless development of our society is inextricably associated with improvements in industry and the design of new technologies, which measure themselves against the limitations that are produced by many factors. In order to maintain the current rate of economic growth, we must investigate new solutions and materials. One direction of innovation that offers many new opportunities is in nanofluids and carbon-based materials. Despite intensive research into both of these areas, we still do not possess sufficient knowledge to fully exploit the potential of these materials. Therefore, in this Special Issue, we invite the submission of papers that focus on new trends and processes in nanofluids and carbon-based materials, as well as their characterization and applications.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions that are devoted to the processes involved in the preparation of nanofluids and carbon-based materials, their characterization and applications, as well as review papers that foreground these issues.

Dr. Jacek Fal
Dr. David Cabaleiro
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanofluids
  • carbon-based materials
  • viscosity
  • thermal conductivity
  • surface tension
  • electrical conductivity
  • specific heat

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3065 KiB  
Article
An Experimental Investigation of the Stability and Thermophysical Properties of MWCNT Nanofluids in a Water–Ethylene Glycol Mixture
by Edwin Martin Cardenas Contreras, Enio Pedone Bandarra Filho and Gleyzer Martins
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051333 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
This study investigates the thermophysical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanofluids dispersed in a water–ethylene glycol (50:50%) mixture. The nanofluids were prepared using a two-step method involving ultrasonication and high-pressure homogenization. The stability of the nanofluids was assessed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry over [...] Read more.
This study investigates the thermophysical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanofluids dispersed in a water–ethylene glycol (50:50%) mixture. The nanofluids were prepared using a two-step method involving ultrasonication and high-pressure homogenization. The stability of the nanofluids was assessed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry over a period of 30 days. The results indicated a maximum decrease of 10% in the relative concentration, with no visible agglomeration or sedimentation. Thermal conductivity, viscosity, and density were experimentally measured at different temperatures and volumetric concentrations (0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%). The thermal conductivity of the nanofluids increased with both concentration and temperature, showing an enhancement of up to 10% at 50 °C for 0.1% vol. MWCNTs. The viscosity measurements revealed a maximum increase of 11% at 80 °C, while the density showed a slight increase with nanoparticle concentration and a decrease with temperature. The models proposed for estimating thermal conductivity (maximum deviation 1.5%) and viscosity (maximum deviation 3%) were found to be suitable, exhibiting good agreement with the experimental results. The results align with previous studies, reinforcing the role of Brownian motion and nanoparticle interactions in heat transfer enhancement. This study provides insights into the stability and thermophysical behavior of MWCNT nanofluids, contributing to their potential applications in thermal management systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Processes in Nanofluids and Carbon-Based Nanoparticles)
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13 pages, 5709 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Cellulose-Based Fluorescent Carbon Dots for the Detection of Fe(III) in Aqueous Solutions
by Lindokuhle P. Magagula, Clinton M. Masemola, Tshwafo E. Motaung, Nosipho Moloto and Ella C. Linganiso-Dziike
Processes 2025, 13(1), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010257 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1111
Abstract
The need for eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable methods to synthesize carbon quantum dots (CQDs) remains a critical goal in nanotechnology. In this work, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) were successfully synthesized using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and urea through [...] Read more.
The need for eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable methods to synthesize carbon quantum dots (CQDs) remains a critical goal in nanotechnology. In this work, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) were successfully synthesized using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and urea through a rapid one-step microwave-assisted method. The use of renewable cellulose as a precursor aligns with sustainable practices, offering a pathway to transform agricultural waste into valuable nanomaterials. Characterized by TEM, XRD, Raman, XPS, and PL spectroscopy, the N-CQDs demonstrated outstanding optical properties, including strong excitation-dependent fluorescence with an emission maximum at 420 nm. The N-CQDs exhibited exceptional selectivity and sensitivity toward Fe3+, achieving a detection limit of 75 nM. Additionally, the pH-dependent fluorescence and stability in diverse conditions highlight the N-CQDs’ versatility in environmental monitoring. This study establishes a foundation for using agricultural waste to produce high-performance nanostructures for sensing applications, advancing green nanotechnology and environmental solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Processes in Nanofluids and Carbon-Based Nanoparticles)
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19 pages, 2921 KiB  
Article
Heat Transfer and Entropy Generation for Mixed Convection of Al2O3–Water Nanofluid in a Lid-Driven Square Cavity with a Concentric Square Blockage
by M. Özgün Korukçu
Processes 2024, 12(6), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12061079 - 24 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1236
Abstract
The present numerical investigation is focused on analyzing the characteristics of steady laminar mixed convection flow in a lid-driven square cavity, specifically considering the utilization of Al2O3–water nanofluid. The Al2O3–water nanofluid is assumed to be [...] Read more.
The present numerical investigation is focused on analyzing the characteristics of steady laminar mixed convection flow in a lid-driven square cavity, specifically considering the utilization of Al2O3–water nanofluid. The Al2O3–water nanofluid is assumed to be Newtonian and incompressible. Within the cavity, a square blockage is positioned at its center, which is subjected to isothermal heating. The blockage ratio of the square is B = 1/4, and the Grashof number is Gr = 100. The walls of the cavity are maintained at a constant temperature, Tc, while the square blockage remains at a constant temperature, Th. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the flow and heat transfer mechanisms, as well as the entropy generation within the cavity. This investigation is conducted for a range of Richardson numbers (0.01 ≤ Ri ≤ 100) and volume fractions of the nanofluid (0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.05). Several parameters are obtained and analyzed, including streamlines, isotherms, velocity variations on the vertical and horizontal midplanes, local Nusselt number variations on the surfaces of the square blockage, the average Nusselt number on the square blockage, and the total dimensionless entropy generation of the system. The results of the investigation revealed that both the average Nusselt number on the square blockage and the total dimensionless entropy generation of the system exhibit an increasing trend with an increasing volume fraction of the nanofluid and a decreasing Richardson number. Furthermore, correlations for the average Nusselt number and the total dimensionless entropy generation with the Richardson number, and the nanofluid volume fraction are derived. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Processes in Nanofluids and Carbon-Based Nanoparticles)
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21 pages, 1620 KiB  
Article
Thermophysical and Electrical Properties of Ethylene Glycol-Based Nanofluids Containing CaCO3
by Julian Traciak, David Cabaleiro, Javier P. Vallejo and Jacek Fal
Processes 2024, 12(1), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12010172 - 11 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2004
Abstract
The thermophysical properties of various types of nanofluids are often studied to find more effective working fluids for heat transfer applications. In this paper, the mass density, isobaric heat capacity, thermal conductivity, dynamic viscosity surface tension, and electrical properties of calcium carbonate-ethylene glycol [...] Read more.
The thermophysical properties of various types of nanofluids are often studied to find more effective working fluids for heat transfer applications. In this paper, the mass density, isobaric heat capacity, thermal conductivity, dynamic viscosity surface tension, and electrical properties of calcium carbonate-ethylene glycol (CaCO3-EG) nanofluids were investigated. The samples with mass fractions of 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 were prepared with a two-step method and studied as well as pure base fluid (ethylene glycol). The measurements were conducted at temperatures between 283.15 and 313.15 K and the obtained results show the impact of CaCO3 nanoparticles on the thermophysical and electrical properties of ethylene glycol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Processes in Nanofluids and Carbon-Based Nanoparticles)
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Review

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26 pages, 5859 KiB  
Review
Why Carbon Nanotubes Improve Aqueous Nanofluid Thermal Conductivity: A Qualitative Model Critical Review
by Ibrahim Khoswan, Heba Nassar, Mohyeddin Assali, Abdelrahim AbuSafa, Shadi Sawalha and Hikmat S. Hilal
Processes 2024, 12(4), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040834 - 19 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2391
Abstract
Media thermal conductivity is important in various heat-transfer processes. Many conventional fluid conductors suffered low conductivity and environmental issues. Therefore, research was active in finding out alternative systems, mostly relying on aqueous liquids that are low-cost and ecofriendly. After the emergence of carbon [...] Read more.
Media thermal conductivity is important in various heat-transfer processes. Many conventional fluid conductors suffered low conductivity and environmental issues. Therefore, research was active in finding out alternative systems, mostly relying on aqueous liquids that are low-cost and ecofriendly. After the emergence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with their many special structural, electrical and thermal properties, they have been examined for many applications, including heat-transfer processes. Adding CNTs to water yields CNT aqueous nanofluids that have been widely investigated as heat-transfer media. The literature shows that CNT addition improves water thermal conductivity and other water properties, such as viscosity, surface tension, freezing point and boiling point. The literature also shows that nanofluid thermal conductivity improvement is affected by CNT type and concentration, in addition to other factors such as surfactant addition. All these subjects were widely described in literature, focusing on experimental, modelling and theoretical accounts. Despite the wide literature, there exist inconsistencies and discrepancies between reports that need to be justified. In addition to technical papers, many reviews were published on various aspects of the subject including experimental results and mathematical modeling. However, the very basic question here is as follows: Why does adding CNT to water affect its thermal conductivity? In spite of the wide published literature, this issue was not targeted in a simple qualitative approach. This review provides a clear understanding of how CNTs improve thermal conductivity of aqueous nanofluids. A qualitative model is presented to explain mechanisms behind improvement as presented in the literature. CNT type effects are discussed with other factors such as aspect ratio, Reynold number, dispersion quality, composition, temperature and additives. CNT functionalization is described. Relations to estimate nanofluid thermal conductivity are discussed. The model will help specialists to tailor CNT aqueous nanofluid characteristics as desired by varying types and concentrations of CNT and surfactant, and other factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Processes in Nanofluids and Carbon-Based Nanoparticles)
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39 pages, 6128 KiB  
Review
Nanofluids and Ionic Fluids as Liquid Electrodes: An Overview on Their Properties and Potential Applications
by José Pereira, Reinaldo Souza, Ana Moita and António Moreira
Processes 2023, 11(11), 3189; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11113189 - 8 Nov 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2534
Abstract
The current review work focuses on recent developments in the exploration of electroactive nanofluids, ionanofluids, and ionic liquids acting as liquid electrodes. The nanofluids used for this purpose are composed of organic or aqueous electrolytes as base fluids with the addition of nanoparticles [...] Read more.
The current review work focuses on recent developments in the exploration of electroactive nanofluids, ionanofluids, and ionic liquids acting as liquid electrodes. The nanofluids used for this purpose are composed of organic or aqueous electrolytes as base fluids with the addition of nanoparticles in pure, oxidized, or hybrid forms. On the other hand, the ionic liquids are formed by adding a solution, which can be an acid, a base, or a salt, in water. The electrochemical properties, such as electrical conductivity and capacitance, of these innovative fluids are discussed thoroughly, along with their influencing factors, such as the nature and concentration of the included nanoparticles, the type of base fluids, and the operating temperature. Moreover, this overview summarizes the fundamental applications of electroactive nanofluids, ionanofluids, and ionic liquids in various possible flow-cell configurations and electrolysis methods, along with the associated feasibility factors. Additionally, this survey of scientific papers on the matter enabled the listing and evaluation of general aspects related to the usage of electroactive nanofluids, ionanofluids, and ionic liquids. Finally, it addresses the main problems associated with such types of fluids and outlines the primary prospects for further research and utilization of electroactive nanofluids, ionanofluids, and ionic liquids in diverse scientific and technological fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Processes in Nanofluids and Carbon-Based Nanoparticles)
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