Chapter 2 - Preparation, stability, and characterization of nanofluids

Abstract

In the recent decades, the use of nanofluids in heat and mass transfer processes has attracted much attention due to their potential to increase the rate of heat and mass transfer. Nanofluids are made of a base fluid and nanoparticles. In general, nanofluids can be prepared via different methods like one-step, two-step, phase transfer, and posttreatment techniques. The key issue in the preparation of nanofluids is the stability of the colloidal suspension. Different techniques are suggested for enhancing the nanofluids’ stability, such as surfactant addition or surface modification. After the preparation of a stable nanofluid, various properties of the suspension should be analyzed via different characterization methods. This chapter provides a detailed discussion of common technologies for the preparation and characterization of nanofluids with their stability increment methods.