Interfacial molecular layering enhances specific heat of nanofluids: Evidence from molecular dynamics

It is well known that the specific heat of a heat transfer fluid can be significantly improved by the addition of nanoparticles to form a so-called nanofluid, but the origin of the effect is not completely understood yet. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations in a nanofluid consisting of palladium nanoparticles in a commercial heat transfer fluid, to demonstrate that a significant fraction (nearly half) of the specific heat enhancement assodated to the presence of the nanopartides is due to strong chemisorption interaction of the fluid molecules at the nanopartide surfaces. This insight opens new avenues for the nanofluid research community by providing suffident understanding on the role of chemical interactions in the specific heat of nanofluids, helping on the discussion of what materials and base fluids to be chosen for the optimisation of the thermophysical properties of nanofluids and promoting the transition from basic research to actual application in energy conversion and thermal management processes. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The significant enhancement of specific heat in nanofluids by nanoparticles is mainly attributed to the strong chemisorption interaction of fluid molecules at the nanoparticle surfaces. This insight provides sufficient understanding for nanofluid research and promotes the application of nanofluids in energy conversion and thermal management processes.