A review of nanofluids as high performance thermal conductivity media: advances, challenges, and perspectives

Abstract Nanofluids are gaining attention as high-performance thermal conductive media, showing significant promise for advanced thermal management applications. This review examines the primary factors influencing their thermal conductivity and stability. Research indicates that optimizing nanoparticle size, morphology, and surface modification enhances their performance. Additionally, the use of appropriate surfactants and dispersion techniques is vital. These strategies markedly improve both thermal conductivity and colloidal stability. However, large-scale applications face challenges such as particle aggregation, high preparation costs, and unclear thermal property mechanisms under complex conditions. Future research should prioritize the development of cost-effective stabilization technologies and explore the co-optimization of thermal and flow properties to facilitate their scalable engineering application.