Smart Nanofluids for Sustainable Energy Systems

Nanofluids are engineered suspensions of nanoparticles that offer significantly enhanced thermophysical properties. By integrating relating materials science, thermal engineering, artificial intelligence, and sustainability assessment aspects into a unified framework, this book presents smart nanofluids as next-generation heat-transfer media for sustainable energy systems. The book begins with fundamental concepts of nanofluid thermophysics, including mechanisms for thermal conductivity enhancement, particle-fluid interactions, and rheological behavior. It then explores environmentally responsible synthesis routes, emphasizing green chemistry and eco-design principles for nanoparticle production. Advanced characterization techniques to establish structure–property–performance relationships critical to nanofluid optimization are also discussed. Next, the book covers artificial intelligence and machine learning in nanofluid design, as well as data-driven approaches, predictive modeling, and digital twin frameworks to accelerating materials discovery and optimizing thermophysical performance. Chapters on applications of smart nanofluids across major energy systems, including solar thermal collectors, hydrogen storage and fuel cells, and waste heat recovery systems highlight system-level performance improvements and engineering trade-offs in real-world applications. Topics that address sustainability challenges include life-cycle assessment methodologies and circular economy principles. Finally, emerging trends such as magneto-responsive, electro-responsive, and photo-responsive nanofluids are discussed, along with future research directions and industrial challenges.