A Review on Graphene Derivatives-Based Nanofluids: Investigation on Properties and Heat Transfer Characteristics

The fact that some solid materials with suitable phases possess higher thermal conductivity than liquids gave rise to their utilization in heat transfer processes. Fluids that contain nanoparticles of any conducting solid material that enhance the thermal conductivity of the conventional heat transfer fluids are known as nanofluids. Ever since graphene has been known for its high thermal conductivity, it has found applications in nanofluids. There are many investigations on enhancement of thermal conductivity using graphene derivatives-based nanofluids. Graphene can form composites with metal, metal oxides, polymers, and other carbon forms. Nanohybrids of graphene derivatives and other conducting materials can enhance the heat transfer properties of fluids. This review presents an in-depth dicussion of the studies done on graphene derivatives (like graphene oxide)-based and graphene nanocomposite-based nanofluids and their preparation methods, properties, and applications. Although there have been many studies on the thermal properties of graphene oxide-, graphene-, and graphene nanocomposite-based nanofluids, there still remains a wide scope for further discoveries.