Nanofluids in Intensification of Process Industry

This chapter discusses the transformative nature of nanofluids in the intensification of industry processes. Nanofluids have also become very potent agents in enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of industrial processes through the effective utilization of their enhanced thermophysical properties, including high thermal conductivity, accelerated mass transfer coefficients, and a high heat capacity. The chapter outlines the ways of process intensification (PI) facilitated by nanofluids, along with uses in heat exchangers, catalytic and photochemical reactors, and thermal energy systems. The main focus is given on how nanofluids can be used in conjunction with emerging technologies, like renewable energy systems and digital twins, and to align the strategy with Process Intensification 4.0. Issues on stability, compatibility, environmental impact, and scalability are also discussed in the content, which opens to innovation on how smart and sustainable nanofluid systems will be in the future.