Xi'an Jiaotong University; National Technical University of Athens; Imperial College London; University of New South Wales Sydney; GMR Institute of Technology; Southeast University - China; Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST); Clarkson University; State University System of Florida; Florida International University; King Mongkuts University of Technology Thonburi; Ferdowsi University Mashhad; National Science & Technology Development Agency - Thailand
Type
Review
Source Title
NANO ENERGY
Year
2021
Volume
86
Open Access
Green Published
Publisher
ELSEVIER
DOI
10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.106069
Format
PDF
Abstract
It has been more than two decades since the discovery of 'nanofluids' - mixtures of common liquids and solid nanoparticles with at least one dimension below 100 nm in size. While colloidal suspensions of particles (which include larger particles) have been studied for several decades, the term 'nanofluids' designates fluid systems that have enhanced thermal and optical properties. Although barriers to their commercial adoption remain, the field of nanofluids has continued to grow. Many studies have considered the effects of adding nanoparticles on the thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency of renewable energy systems particularly solar systems, however, few have investigated their potential for emission reductions. Critically, since renewable energy technologies aim to reduce the environmental impact of energy systems, this review focuses on whether nanofluids provide a net environmental benefit. Thus, in addition to providing a comprehensive overview of this body of literature from an environmental perspective, this review also highlights areas for future work that could help ensure that nanofluids have a net positive environmental impact in renewable energy systems going forward.
