Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 68 (2017) 185–198

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Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/rser

Hybrid nanofluids preparation, thermal properties, heat transfer and

friction factor – A review
crossmark
⁎
L. Syam Sundara, , K.V. Sharmab, Manoj K. Singha,⁎⁎, A.C.M. Sousaa
a
TEMA-Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
b
Department of Mechanical Engineering, J.N.T. University, Hyderabad, India

A R T I C L E I N F O A BS T RAC T

Keywords: In the past decade, research on nanofluids has been increased rapidly and reports reveal that nanofluids are
Hybrid nanofluids beneficial heat transfer fluids for engineering applications. The heat transfer enhancement of nanofluids is
Thermal properties primarily dependent on thermal conductivity of nanoparticles, particle volume concentrations and mass flow
Heat transfer rates. Under constant particle volume concentrations and flow rates, the heat transfer enhancement only
Friction factor
depends on the thermal conductivity of the nanoparticles. The thermal conductivity of nanoparticles may be
Enhancement
altered or changed by preparing hybrid (composite) nanoparticles. Hybrid nanoparticles are defined as
nanoparticles composed by two or more different materials of nanometer size. The fluids prepared with hybrid
nanoparticles are known as hybrid nanofluids. The motivation for the preparation of hybrid nanofluids is to
obtain further heat transfer enhancement with augmented thermal conductivity of these nanofluids. This review
covers the synthesis of hybrid nanoparticles, preparation of hybrid nanofluids, thermal properties, heat transfer,
friction factor and the available Nusselt number and friction factor correlations. The review also demonstrates
that hybrid nanofluids are more effective heat transfer fluids than single nanoparticles based nanofluids or
conventional fluids. Notwithstanding, full understanding of the mechanisms associated with heat transfer
enhancement of hybrid nanofluids is still lacking and, consequently it is required a considerable research effort
in this area.

1. Introduction conductivity enhancement, but also faced particle sedimentation in the

base fluid, which reduces the enhancement in thermal conductivity. In
The single phase heat transfer fluids such as water, engine oil, 1995, Choi [3] prepared nanofluids (fluids containing nanometer size
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and transformer oil are mainly used in solid particles) and observed marked enhancement of thermal con-
process industries, chemical and thermal power plants. The heat ductivity. The dispersion of nanometer size particles in single phase
transfer performance of single phase heat transfer fluids, in general, fluids presents higher specific surface area than conventional colloidal
is very poor due to the low values of their thermal conductivity. The suspensions and is more stable than conventional slurries.
heat transfer intensification is very important to achieve significant The commonly used nanoparticles are metals – e.g., Cu, Au, Ag, and
energy and cost savings. Therefore, one possible route is increase the Ni; metal oxides – e.g., Al2O3, CuO, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, SiO2, TiO2, and
thermal conductivity of the working fluids. As it is well-known, solid ZrO2; metal carbides (SiC), metal nitrides – e.g., AlN, and SiN; carbon
materials possess higher thermal conductivity when compared to single materials – e.g., carbon nanotubes, graphite, and diamond. The
phase fluids. The addition of solid particles to the single phase fluids preparation of nanofluids using different kind of nanoparticles along
technique was first proposed by Maxwell [1], who observed enhanced with their convective heat transfer performance has been reported by
thermal conductivity values. However, the simple dispersion of solid many researchers. Pak and Cho [4] conducted heat transfer and friction
particles in single phase fluids leads to their sedimentation and factor experiments for Al2O3/water and TiO2/water nanofluids in the
consequent clogging of the flow passages; moreover, the particles cause Reynolds number range from 104 to 105 and the particle concentration
erosion on the flow passage walls, while increasing the pressure drop ranging from 0% to 3% and observed heat transfer enhancement
across the installations. Later on, Masuda et al. [2] dispersed micro- compared to the base fluid (water); they also propose newly-developed
meter size solid particles in single phase fluids and observed thermal Nusselt number correlation. Later on, Xuan and Li [5] used Cu/water

⁎
Corresponding author.
⁎⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: [email protected] (L.S. Sundar), [email protected] (M.K. Singh).

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.09.108
Received 9 March 2016; Received in revised form 28 August 2016; Accepted 25 September 2016
Available online 12 October 2016
1364-0321/ © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
L.S. Sundar et al. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 68 (2017) 185–198

and Cu/transformer oil nanofluids and observed heat transfer en- enhancement of 13.56% for 0.1% vol at a Reynolds number of 1730,
hancements as compared to the base fluids. In another study, Xuan and while Madhesh et al. [36], with Cu-TiO2 hybrid nanofluids, obtained
Li [6] observed heat transfer enhancement of 60% for 2.0% volume heat transfer enhancement of 52% for 2.0% vol Sundar et al. [37]
concentration of Cu/water nanofluid flowing in a tube at a Reynolds prepared nanodiamond-nickel (ND-Ni) nanocomposite (hybrid) nano-
number of 25000 and they report separated Nusselt number correla- fluids and determined experimentally the thermal conductivity and
tions for laminar and turbulent flow, respectively. Wen and Ding [7] viscosity. Sundar et al. [38] also prepared MWCNT-Fe3O4 hybrid
conducted heat transfer experiments for Al2O3/water nanofluid in a nanofluids and found heat transfer enhancement of 31.10% with a
tube under laminar flow and they observed heat transfer enhancement pumping penalty of 18% for 0.3% vol at a Reynolds number of 22000.
of 47% at 1.6% volume fraction as compared to the base fluid (water). These studies clearly indicate that hybrid nanofluids yield higher heat
Heris et al. [8] also used Al2O3/water nanofluids in a tube under transfer enhancement than single nanoparticles-based nanofluids.
laminar flow and observed heat transfer enhancement using constant However, to fully understand the hybrid nanofluids mechanisms
wall temperature boundary conditions. Williams et al. [9] reported enhancing heat transfer, further experiments and analyses will be
convective heat transfer enhancement with alumina/water and zirco- required.
nia/water nanofluids flow in a horizontal tube under turbulent flow. The present review deals with hybrid nanofluids, which have the
Duangthongsuk and Wongwises [10] found heat transfer enhancement potential of making an important contribution to heat exchange
of 20% and 32% for 1.0% vol of TiO2/water nanofluid flowing in a tube equipment cost reduction by increasing its effectiveness and conse-
at Reynolds numbers of 3000-18000, respectively. Ghozatloo et al. [11] quently making it smaller and lighter. In addition, an increased
obtained heat transfer enhancement of 35.6% at a temperature of 38 °C effectiveness may lead to substantial worldwide energy savings.
for 0.1 wt% of graphene/water nanofluids flow in a tube under laminar Therefore, it will be presented an overview of synthesis and character-
flow. Sundar et al. [12] found heat transfer enhancement of 30.96% ization of different hybrid nanoparticles, preparation of hybrid nano-
with a pumping penalty of 10.01% for 0.6% vol of Fe3O4/water fluids and also the state of ongoing research work enabling the use of
nanofluid flow in a tube at a Reynolds number of 22000. Sundar hybrid nanofluids and current challenges. It will be also reviewed and
et al. [13] observed heat transfer enhancement of 39.18% with a discussed their thermo-physical properties, heat transfer, friction
pumping penalty of 19.12% for 0.6% vol of Ni/water nanofluid flow in a factor and the available Nusselt number and friction factor correla-
tube at a Reynolds number of 22000. Other researchers have also tions.
observed heat transfer enhancement using different kinds of nano-
fluids. The examples are – Amrollahi et al. [14], Wang et al. [15], Ding 2. Types of hybrid (nanocomposite) materials
et al. [16] used CNT nanofluids, Sajadi and Kazemi [17] used TiO2
nanofluids, Ghazvini et al. [18] used diamond/engine oil nanofluids, Depending on the metal matrix, the hybrid (composite) materials
Xuan and Li [19] used Cu/water nanofluids, Ferrouillat et al. [20] used can be divided into three types. (a) Metal matrix nanocomposites – the
SiO2/water nanofluids, Guo et al. [21] obtained significant heat examples are, among others, Al2O3/Cu, Al2O3/Ni, MgO/Fe, Al/CNT,
transfer rates by using Fe2O3/water nanofluids. There is a considerable Mg/CNT, Al2O3/Fe-Cr, and ND/Ni, (b) Ceramic matrix nanocompo-
body of experimental data about heat transfer enhancement with sites – the examples are, among others, Al2O3/SiO2, Al2O3/TiO2, SiO2/
different nanofluids, which is well summarized in review articles Ni, CNT/Fe3O4, Al2O3/SiC, and Al2O3/CNT, (c) Polymer matrix
published during the past decade [22–28]. nanocomposites – the examples are, among others, polymer/layered
The researchers have consistently observed higher heat transfer double hydroxides, polymer/CNT, thermoplastic/thermoset polymer/
rates with different kinds of nanofluids (among others, Al2O3, Cu, CuO, layered silicates, and polyester/TiO2.
Fe3O4, Fe2O3, CNT, nickel, nanodiamond, TiO2, and SiO2) flow in a The materials used for metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNC) are,
tube under laminar or turbulent flow conditions. The heat transfer for example, Ag (silver), Al (alumina), Au (gold), Cu (copper), Fe (iron),
enhancement of nanofluids depends on particle concentrations, ther- nanodiamond (ND), Ni (nickel), Mg (magnesium), and Sn (tin).
mal conductivity of nanoparticles and mass flow rates. The thermal The materials used for ceramic matrix nanocomposites (CMNC)
conductivity of nanoparticles may be altered or changed by synthesiz- are, among others, Al2O3 (aluminum oxide), CuO (copper oxide), Fe2O3
ing the hybrid (nanocomposite) nanoparticles and it is expected that (hematite), Fe3O4 (magnetite), NiO (nickel oxide), SiC (silicon carbide),
fluids prepared with hybrid nanoparticles may cause further heat SiO2 (silicon oxide), TiO2 (titanium oxide), and ZnO (zinc oxide).
transfer enhancements. The hybrid nanoparticles may be defined as The materials used for polymer matrix nanocomposites (PMNC)
two or more different materials in the nanometer size; hybrid are, in general, vinyl-polymer, ethylene vinyl-alcohol, poly-vinyl chlor-
nanoparticles represent an area of nanotechnology, which is experien- ide, polyethylene, and poly-propylene.
cing a marked growth due to its potential impact in material science The materials used for carbon-based nanocomposites are typically:
and engineering. For the preparation of hybrid nanofluids there are single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), multi walled carbon
different available methods, which enable the synthesis of hybrid nanotubes (MWCNT), graphite (G), and graphene oxide (GO). The
nanoparticles; the use of the most common methods is succinctly commonly used synthesis techniques for nanocomposites are chemical,
reviewed in what follows. Jia et al. [29] used the hydrothermal method, mechanical (ball-milling), and vapor deposition (physical, chemical).
Zhang et al. [30] used the solvothermal method and Shi et al. [31] used For all the cases, the hybrid (nanocomposites) particles size should be
the polyols method for the synthesis of CNT/Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparti- less than 100 nm.
cles. Guo et al. [32] used sonication and sol-gel chemistry technique for
the synthesis of silica (Si) coated carbon nanotube (CNTs) coaxial 3. Synthesis of hybrid (nanocomposite) nanoparticles
nanocables. Li et al. [33] prepared CNT/SiO2 and CNT//SiO2/Ag
hybrid nanoparticles using plasma treatment. Baby and Ramaprabhu There are several techniques available for the synthesis of hybrid
[34] used the simple chemical reduction technique for the preparation nanoparticles. Suresh et al. [35,39] used the thermo-chemical synthesis
of silicon dioxide (SiO2) coated on magnetite (Fe3O4) particle doped technique for the preparation of Al2O3-Cu hybrid nanoparticles using
multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (Fe3O4@SiO2/MWCNTs) Cu(NO3)2·3H2O (copper nitrate) and Al(NO3)3·9H2O (aluminum ni-
hybrid nanoparticles. trate) reagent grade chemicals. Sundar et al. [38] prepared MWCNT/
The available literature is relatively scarce in what concerns the Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles using the in-situ and chemical co-precipi-
preparation of hybrid nanofluids and the determination of their tation method. Batmunkh et al. [40] employed the ball milling
thermal properties, heat transfer and friction factor. Suresh et al. technique for the synthesis of Ag-TiO2 nanoparticles. Baby and
[35] prepared Al2O3-Cu hybrid nanofluids and obtained heat transfer Ramaprabhu [41–43] used catalytic chemical vapor deposition

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(CCVD) technique for the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes 4.2. Ethylene glycol based hybrid nanofluids
(MWCNT) and hydrogen exfoliated graphene from graphite oxide (GO)
hybrid nanoparticles. Aravind and Ramaprabhu [44] synthesized Only a few studies are available related to the preparation of
graphene wrapped multi walled carbon nanotubes (G/MWCNT) using ethylene glycol based hybrid nanofluids and their thermal properties.
chemical vapor deposition technique employing GO and MmNi3 as They are: Paul et al. [47], who dealt with Al-Zn nanocomposite and
precursors. Han et al. [45] used precursor solution of Fe(NO3)3·9H2O prepared ethylene glycol-based hybrid nanofluids. Sundar et al.
(iron nitrate) and Al(NO3)3·9H2O (aluminum nitrate) for the prepara- [37,50,51], Baby and Ramaprabhu [41–43], Baby and Ramaprabhu
tion of hybrid sphere/CNT nanoparticles, they first prepared spherical [55], and Aravind and Ramaprabhu [57] also prepared ethylene glycol-
nanoparticles through spray pyrolysis and then grow CNTs using the based hybrid nanofluids.
catalytic process. Baghbanzadeh et al. [46] used wet chemical method
for the synthesis of silicon/MWCNT hybrid nanoparticles. Paul et al. 4.3. Oil based hybrid nanofluids
[47] prepared hybrid Al-Zn nanoparticles using the mechanical alloy-
ing method. Abbasi et al. [48] prepared hybrid γ-Al2O3/MWCNT using The hybrid nanofluids can also be prepared using oil as base fluid,
the solvothermal process in ethanol. Nine et al. [49] have used the wet this is the case of Botha et al. [59] using synthesized silver-silica
ball milling process to synthesize the Cu/Cu2O hybrid nanoparticles. nanoparticles in oil, and Han et al. [63] using poly-alpha-olefin (PAO)
Sundar et al. [37,50,51] used in-situ and chemical co-precipitation based alumina/iron/carbon nanotube nanofluids.
method for the synthesis of nanodiamond (ND)-nickel (Ni), ND-Fe3O4
and ND-Co3O4 hybrid nanoparticles. The techniques used by various 5. Thermal properties of hybrid nanofluids
researchers are summarized in Table 1. The schematic diagram of the
in-situ and chemical co-precipitation method used by Sundar et al. Before reporting on the heat transfer capability of hybrid nano-
[37,50] for the synthesis of ND-Fe3O4 and ND-Ni nanoparticles are fluids, as a matter of completeness it is important to review the density,
shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, respectively... specific heat, thermal conductivity and viscosity at different particle
concentrations and temperatures.

4. Preparation of hybrid nanofluids 5.1. Density of nanofluids

The base fluids such as water, ethylene glycol, engine oil, and Ho et al. [60] prepared water-based hybrid nanofluids using Al2O3
ethylene/water mixtures are commonly used fluids for the preparation and microencapsulated phase change material (n-eicosane) nanoparti-
of hybrid nanofluids. The size of the hybrid nanoparticles is very cles (MEPCM) and estimated experimentally their density, specific
important and it should be less than 100 nm for achieving the stable heat, thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity. They noted that the
hybrid nanofluids. Sundar et al. [37,50] synthesized ND-Ni and ND- observed experimental density values were in good agreement with the
Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles using the in-situ and chemical co-precipi- mixture density values. The mixture density formula for hybrid
tation method and then prepared water based nanofluids. They also nanofluids is given as follows:
analyzed the particle size distribution of ND-Ni and ND-Fe3O4 using
Zetasizer nanoZS and the results are shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The Table 1
results indicate the particle size of ND-Ni is 22 nm and the particle size Various methods to synthesis the nanocomposite materials.
of ND-Fe3O4 is 21.2 nm, respectively. The in-situ and chemical co-
Material Method Ref.
precipitation method is a very effective method to obtain the small size
hybrid nanoparticles... CNT-Fe3O4 Sol-gel chemistry Jia et al. [29]
CNT-Fe3O4 Solvothermal system Zhang et al. [30]
CNT-Fe3O4 Polyols method Shi et al. [31]
Silica-MWCNT Sol-gel chemistry Guo et al. [32]
4.1. Water based hybrid nanofluids CNT/SiO2 & CNT/ Plasma treatment Li et al. [33]
SiO3/Ag
Several authors used water as the base fluid for the preparation of Fe3O4@SiO2/ Chemical reduction technique Baby and
hybrid nanofluids and verified that their thermal properties determined MWCNTs Ramaprabhu [34]
Al2O3-Cu Thermochemical Suresh et al. [35,61]
experimentally have higher values than those of the base fluid (water).
Cu-TiO2 Mechanical milling Madhesh et al. [36]
Specific examples are given below. Nine et al. [52] prepared alumina- ND-Ni In-situ and chemical Sundar et al. [37]
multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Al2O3-MWNTs)/water hybrid nano- coprecipitation
fluids, and in another study, Nine et al. [49] also studied cuprous oxide MWCNT-Fe3O4 In-situ and chemical Sundar et al. [38]
(Cu2O) and copper/cuprous oxide (Cu/Cu2O)/water hybrid nanofluids. coprecipitation
Ag-TiO2 Ball milling Batmunkh et al. [40]
Suresh et al. [35,39] investigated Al2O3-Cu/water nanofluids, MWCNT-HEGO Catalytic chemical vapor Baby and
Baghbanzadeh et al. [46] silicon-MWCNT/water nanofluids, and deposition Ramaprabhu [41–43]
Munkhbayar et al. [53] silver-MWCNT/water nanofluids. Jana et al. Graphene/wrapped Chemical vapor deposition Aravind and
[54] reported on CNT-gold/water and CNT-Cu/water nanofluids, MWCNT Ramaprabhu [44]
Hybrid sphere/CNT Spherical particles by spray Han et al. [45]
Abbasi et al. [52] on Al2O3-MWNT/water nanofluids and Baby and
Nanoparticles pyrolysis and CNT by catalytic
Ramaprabhu [41–43] on Ag-HEG-MWNT/water. Baby and process
Ramaprabhu [55] also prepared CuO/f-HEG/water nanofluids. Chen Silicon/MWCNT Wet chemical Baghbanzadeh et al.
et al. [56] prepared MWCNT-Fe2O3/water nanofluids, and Batmunkh [46]
et al. [40] Ag-TiO2/water nanofluids. Sundar et al. [37,38,50,51] Al-Zn Mechanical alloying Paul et al. [47]
γ-Al2O3/MWNT Solvothermal Abbasi et al. [48]
investigated MWCNT/Fe3O4/water, ND-Ni/water, ND-Fe3O4/water Cu/Cu2O Wet ball milling Nine et al. [49]
and ND-Co3O4/water nanofluids. Madhesh et al. [36] studied Cu- ND-Fe3O4 In-situ and chemical co- Sundar et al. [50]
TiO2/water hybrid nanofluids, and Aravind and Ramaprabhu [44] precipitation
graphene/MWCNT/water nanofluids. Aravind and Ramaprabhu [57] ND-Co3O4 In-situ and chemical Sundar et al. [51]
coprecipitation
used a graphene wrapped MWCNT composite for the preparation of
MWCNT-Fe2O3 Ball milling Chen et al. [56]
water based nanofluids. Chen et al. [58] prepared Ag/MWCNT/water Ag/MWNT Ball milling Chen et al. [58]
nanofluids.

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Fig. 1. ND-soot, acid treated-ND and ND-Fe3O4 nanoparticles (a) schematic diagram of synthesis procedure (b) TEM results (ND-soot; left-side), (acid treated-ND; middle), (ND-
Fe3O4 nanoparticles; right-side) (Sundar et al. [50]).

⎛ ⎞ Al2O3 and microencapsulated phase change material (n-eicosane)

ρhnf = ϕnp1ρnp1 + ϕnp2ρnp2 + ⎜1−ϕnp1 − ϕnp2⎟ρbf
⎝ ⎠ (1) nanoparticles (MEPCM) and estimated experimentally the specific heat
and observed experimental values are in good agreement with those
where np1 and np2 are Al2O3 and MEPCM nanoparticles, ρ is the given by specific heat mixture formula. The specific heat mixture
density (kg/m3) and the suffixes hnf and bf are for hybrid nanofluid formula for hybrid nanofluids is given as follows:
and base fluid, respectively.
Sundar et al. [38,50] used the mixture formula for the estimation of ⎛ ⎞
ρhnf , Cp, hnf = ϕnp1ρnp1Cp, np1 + ϕnp2ρnp2 Cp, np2 + ⎜1−ϕnp1 − ϕnp2⎟ρbf C
density of MWCNT/Fe3O4, ND-Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Eq. (2)). They ⎝ ⎠ p, bf (5)
substituted Eq. (2) values in Eq. (3) for the estimation of quantity of
nanoparticles required for the known percentage of volume concentra- where np1 and np2 are Al2O3 and MEPCM nanoparticles, respectively,
tions. They used Eq. (4) itself for the estimation of density of hybrid ρ is the density (kg/m3), Cp is the specific heat (J/kg K). The suffixes
hnf and bf are related to hybrid nanofluids and base fluids, respectively.
nanofluids.
Sundar et al. [38,50] used the mixture formula for the estimation of
⎛ ⎞ the specific heat of MWCNT/Fe3O4, ND-Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Eq. (6)).
(ρCNT ) × wCNT + ⎜ρFe O ⎟ × wFe3O4
⎛ ⎞ ⎝ 3 4⎠ The Eq. (7) represents the specific heat of the hybrid nanofluid. The
⎜ρCNT + Fe O ⎟ =
⎝ 3 4⎠
p
wCNT + wFe3O4 (2)
relations (Eqs. (6) and (7)) are as follows:
(Cp, CNT ) × wCNT + (Cp, Fe3O4 ) × wFe3O4
⎡ WCNT + Fe3O4 ⎤ (Cp, CNT + Fe3O4 ) =
⎢ρ ⎥ p wCNT + wFe3O4 (6)
⎣ CNT + Fe3O4 ⎦
Volume concentration, ϕ×100=
⎡ WCNT + Fe3O4 ⎤ ⎡ Wwater ⎤
⎢ρ ⎥+⎢ ⎥ Cp, hnf = (1−ϕ)Cp, bf + ϕ × C p, p (7)
⎣ CNT + Fe3O4 ⎦ ⎣ ρwater ⎦ (3)
where ϕ is the percentage of volume concentration, Cp and W is the
ρhnf = (1−ϕ)ρbf + ϕ × ρp (4) specific heat (J/kg K) and weight (g), respectively. The suffixes are
where ϕ is the percentage of volume concentration, W and ρ is the related to the carbon nanotubes (CNT), Fe3O4, hybrid (CNT-Fe3O4)
weight (g) and density (kg/m3), respectively. The suffixes are for water, nanoparticles, p is for the particle, hnf is for the hybrid nanofluid and
Fe3O4, carbon nanotubes (CNT), hybrid nanoparticles (CNT+Fe3O4). bf is for the base fluid.
The suffixes p is for particle, bf is for the base fluid and hnf is for the
hybrid nanofluid. 5.3. Thermal conductivity of nanofluids

5.2. Specific heat of nanofluids 5.3.1. Carbon nanotubes based hybrid nanofluids
The thermal conductivity is one of the most important properties in
Ho et al. [60] prepared water-based hybrid nanofluids containing what concerns the use of hybrid nanofluids in heat exchange equip-

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L.S. Sundar et al. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 68 (2017) 185–198

Fig. 2. Schematic representation of in-situ growth of ND-Ni nanocomposite (a) As received detonated nanodiamond soot, (b) c-ND powder (c) ND-Ni hybrid nanocomposite (Sundar
et al. [37]).

ment, as it is well-established the heat transfer coefficient depends on thermal conductivity enhancement of nanofluids containing Ag/
the thermal conductivity of the fluid. Therefore, research work related MWNT nanoparticles is higher than that of MWNTs nanoparticles.
to thermal conductivity of CNTs based hybrid nanofluids is briefly Baby and Ramaprabhu [41] prepared Ag/HEG-water and Ag/HEG-
reviewed in what follows. Baghbanzadeh et al. [46] prepared Si/ EG hybrid nanofluids and observed thermal conductivity enhancement
MWCNT/water hybrid nanofluids and measured the thermal conduc- of 25% at 0.05% vol at a temperature of 25 °C. Baby and Ramaprabhu
tivity in the particle concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% wt in the [42] functionalized-MWNT/functionalized-HEG-water nanofluids and
temperatures range from 27 °C to 40 °C. Nine et al. [52] prepared 95% observed thermal conductivity enhancement of 20% at 0.05% vol
of Al2O3/5% of MWCNT and 90% of Al2O3/10% of MWCNT water Sundar et al. [38] prepared MWCNT/Fe3O4 water hybrid nanofluids
based hybrid nanofluids and estimated thermal conductivity at differ- and observed thermal conductivity enhancement of 13.88% and
ent particle concentrations. Abbasi et al. [48] prepared Al2O3/ 28.46% at temperatures of 20 °C and 60 °C, respectively, for 0.3% vol
MWCNT-water hybrid nanofluids and obtained a thermal conductivity of nanofluid; the data is presented in Fig. 5..
enhancement of 14.75% for 0.01% vol Munkhbayar et al. [53] found Baby and Ramaprabhu [43] prepared MWCNT/HEG@Silver EG
the thermal conductivity enhancement of 14.5% for Ag/MWNT/water nanofluids and observed thermal conductivity enhancement of 8% for
hybrid nanofluids. Chen et al. [56] measured thermal conductivity of 0.04% vol at a temperature of 25 °C; the data is reported in Fig. 6.
MWCNT/Fe2O3 hybrid nanofluid and observed enhancement of 28% Aravind and Ramaprabhu [44] synthesized graphene wrapped
compared to base fluid. Chen et al. [58] prepared MWCNT/water and MWCNT hybrid particles and prepared water- and EG-based nano-
1.0% vol of Ag-MWNT/water hybrid nanofluids and observed that the fluids and estimated thermal conductivity at different volume fractions

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L.S. Sundar et al. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 68 (2017) 185–198

Fig. 3. Stability behavior of nanofluids (002 mg/ml) (a) sonication after 0.5 h (b) sonication after 72 h (ND-soot; left-side), (acid treated-ND;middle), (ND-Fe3O4; right-side) (c) 0.05%,
0.1% and 0.2% volume concentrations of water-based magnetic ND-Fe3O4 nanofluids (d) ND-Fe3O4 nanoparticles showing magnetic behavior under magnetic field (e) ND-Fe3O4
nanoparticle size distribution while dispersed in distilled water measured from dynamic light scattering method (~21.24 nm) (Sundar et al. [50]).

and the data is shown in Fig. 7... Fig. 8b reports the thermal conductivity ratio (knf / kbf ) of 60:40% EG/W-
based ND-Fe3O4 nanofluids along with 60:40% EG/W-based Fe3O4
5.3.2. Oxides based hybrid nanofluids nanofluids. They report that at ϕ =0.2% and 60 °C, ND-Fe3O4 nanofluid
The available literature on research work dealing with the thermal has 1.03-times higher thermal conductivity than that of Fe3O4 nano-
conductivity of oxides-based hybrid nanofluids is succinctly reviewed in fluid. The thermal conductivity of increases with increasing particle
what follow. Paul et al. [47] prepared Al-Zn/ethylene glycol hybrid concentration and temperature; however, the order of magnitude
nanofluids and observed a thermal conductivity enhancement of 16% depends on the type of nanoparticle. In addition, as expected, it was
for 0.1% vol Nine et al. [46] also prepared Cu-Cu2O/water based hybrid observed that the thermal conductivity of hybrid nanofluids is also
nanofluids and observed an increase of thermal conductivity enhance- dependent on the type of base fluid..
ment of 2% when comparing nanofluids containing Cu2O nanoparticles
to those with individual Cu. Batmunkh et al. [40] prepared Ag-TiO2/ 5.4. Viscosity of nanofluids
water nanofluids and measured thermal conductivity using the tran-
sient-hot wire method in the temperatures range from 15 °C to 40 °C. 5.4.1. Carbon nanotubes based hybrid nanofluids
Ho et al. [60] prepared hybrid water-based suspension of Al2O3 and The viability of using hybrid nanofluids is directly related to the
microencapsulated phase change material (n-eicosane) nanoparticles pressure drop, and consequently associated pumping costs. To this
(MEPCM) and observed a thermal conductivity enhancement of 9.8% purpose, the viscosity is a very important property; therefore, the
at a particle loadings of 10% wt Baby and Ramaprabhu [55] prepared available literature on viscosity of hybrid nanofluids is discussed in
copper oxide doped graphene (CuO/HEG) and observed a thermal what follows. Baghbanzadeh et al. [46] prepared water-based nano-
conductivity enhancement of 28% for CuO/HEG dispersed in water at fluids by considering 80% wt of silica+20% wt of MWCNT and 50% wt
25 °C for a volume fraction of 0.05%. Sundar et al. [50] used water- of silica+50% wt of MWCNT and studied their rheological properties.
based ND-Fe3O4 nanofluids and the thermal conductivity ratio (knf / kbf ) They observed that viscosity of the nanofluids increased with the
is shown in Fig. 8a in comparison with Fe3O4/water nanofluids. They concentration, while they were reduced by increasing the temperature
observed at ϕ =0.2% and 60 °C, ND-Fe3O4 nanofluid showing 1.02- and also observed at high concentrations, the least increase in the
times higher thermal conductivity compared to Fe3O4/water nanofluid. viscosity of distilled water by adding the 50 wt% of silica+50 wt% of

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Fig. 4. Average particle size distribution of (a) as received detonated ND soot (b) c-ND, and (c) ND-Ni nanocomposite dispersed in water (Sundar et al. [37]).

Fig. 6. Thermal conductivity ratio of different volume fractions of Ag/MWCNT-HEG

Fig. 5. Thermal conductivity of MWCNT-Fe3O4/water hybrid nanofluids with at dispersed EG at different temperatures (Baby and Ramaprabhu [43]).
different volume concentrations and temperatures (Sundar et al. [38]).
⎛ ⎞
MWCNT nanomaterials (8.2% increase at 1.0 wt%). Sundar et al. [38] experimental results for the viscosity and viscosity ratio ⎜μnf / μbf ⎟ are
⎝ ⎠
determined experimentally the viscosity of MWCNT-Fe3O4 nanocom- reported in Fig. 10a and they are compared against the data for two
posite nanofluids and observed increases of 1.27-times and 1.5-times single nanoparticles nanofluids, namely: Fe3O4/water and Al2O3/
for 0.3% vol at temperatures of 20 °C to 60 °C, respectively, as propylene glycol nanofluids. They observed that for particle concentra-
compared to water; the data are reported in Fig. 9.. tion of ϕ =0.2% and temperature of 60 °C, ND-Fe3O4/water nanofluid
presents 1.57-times and 1.27-times higher viscosity compared to
5.4.2. Oxides based hybrid nanofluids Fe3O4/water and Al2O3/propylene glycol, respectively, for 3.0% volume
Sundar et al. [50] used water based ND-Fe3O4 nanofluids and their concentration. Fig. 10b reports on 60:40% EG/W-based ND-Fe3O4

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Fig. 7. Thermal conductivity of different volume fractions of graphene carbon (GC) in

(a) DI water and (b) EG base fluids (Aravind and Ramaprabhu [44]).

nanofluids along with 60:40% EG/W based Fe3O4 and 60:40% EG/W- Fig. 8. Thermal conductivity ratio of ND-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluids compared to Fe3O4
based CuO nanofluid. It is observed that for the particle concentration nanofluids (a) water-based (b) 60:40% EG/W-based (Sundar et al. [50]).

of ϕ =0.2% and temperature of 60 °C, the nanofluid prepared with ND-

Fe3O4 nanoparticles has 1.398-times and 1.556-times higher viscosity
than that for Fe3O4 and CuO nanofluids..
Table 2 reports on the thermal conductivity and viscosity of single
nanoparticle (Fe3O4/water)-based nanofluid [70] and hybrid nano-
fluids (MWCNT-Fe3O4/water; ND-Fe3O4/water) for which the data of
Sundar et al. [38,50] is used for comparison. They observed the
thermal conductivity of single nanoparticles (Fe3O4/water) nanofluids
increases with increasing particle volume concentration and tempera-
ture; similar trend is observed for the thermal conductivity of hybrid
nanofluids (MWCNT-Fe3O4/water; ND-Fe3O4/water). From the data,
it can be noticed that the thermal conductivity enhancement is 8.3%
and 16.67% for ϕ =0.2% of Fe3O4/water nanofluid at temperatures of
20 °C and 60 °C, respectively. Similarly, at temperatures of 20 °C and
60 °C, the thermal conductivity enhancement is 12.8% and 24.65%,
respectively, for ϕ =0.2% of MWCNT-Fe3O4/water nanofluid and 9.15%
and 17.76%, respectively, for ϕ =0.2% of ND-Fe3O4/water. The thermal
conductivity of the hybrid-nanofluids presents higher values than that
of single-nanoparticle (Fe3O4) nanofluids. Sundar et al. [38] used 26%
of MWCNT and 74% of Fe3O4 for the preparation of MWCNT-Fe3O4/
water hybrid nanofluids; with the use of MWCNT for the preparation of
hybrid nanofluids, the thermal conductivity is further enhanced to
4.15% and 6.83% at temperatures of 20 °C and 6.83% at 60 °C,
respectively, at ϕ =0.2% compared to that of the Fe3O4 nanofluid. The Fig. 9. Experimental viscosity of MWCNT-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluids at different volume
concentrations and temperatures (Sundar et al. [38]).

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Fig. 11. Heat transfer coefficient of Ag/(MWNT-HEG)/EG-based hybrid nanofluids at

different volume fractions and Reynolds numbers (Baby and Ramaprabhu [43]).

6. Heat transfer characteristics of hybrid nanofluids

6.1. Carbon nanotubes based hybrid nanofluids

Prior to the use of hybrid nanofluids in heat exchange applications,

the estimation of their heat transfer characteristics are very essential.
The research works shows the higher heat transfer enhancements with
hybrid nanofluids compared to base fluids as well as single particle
nanofluids. Relevant work on heat transfer of carbon nanotubes-based
hybrid nanofluids are given below. Baby and Ramaprabhu [41]
measured heat transfer of Ag/(MWNT-HEG)- ethylene glycol (EG)
based nanofluid for volume fractions of 0.005% and 0.01%, respec-
tively, and their data set is reported in Fig. 11..
Aravind and Ramaprabhu [44] prepared water and EG based
graphene/carbon nanotubes nanofluids and estimated the heat transfer
coefficient in the Reynolds number range from 2000 to 10000 and their
data is shown in Fig. 12. Sundar et al. [38] observed heat transfer
Fig. 10. Viscosity ratio of ND-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluids compared to Fe3O4 nanofluids
enhancements of 20.62% and 31.10% for 0.1% and 0.3% volume
(a) water-based (b) 60:40% EG/W-based (Sundar et al. [50]).
concentration of MWCNT-Fe3O4/water hybrid nanofluids and the data
is shown in Fig. 13...
synergistic effect of the presence of a nanocomposite is clearly
Labib et al. [64] numerically studied the heat transfer performance
demonstrated in this study.
of water and EG based CNT/water and mixture of Al2O3 into CNT using
Sundar et al. [70] observed that the viscosity of single nanoparticle
two phase mixture model and observed EG based nanofluids gives
(Fe3O4/water)-based nanofluid increases with increasing particle vo-
better heat transfer rates compared with water.
lume concentration but it decreases with increasing temperature
Baby and Ramaprabhu [42] prepared the hybrid nanostructure (f-
(Table 2). Similar trend is observed for hybrid nanofluids (MWCNT-
MWNT+f-HEG) of functionalized MWNT (f-MWNT) and functiona-
Fe3O4/water; ND-Fe3O4/water) [38,50]. In the measured temperatures
lized HEG (f-HEG) by using the post mixing technique and prepared
and volume concentrations range, it should be mentioned that the use
water-based nanofluids. They observed heat transfer enhancement of
of MWCNT or ND for the preparation of hybrid nanofluids causes
289% at a Reynolds number of 15,500 for a 0.01% volume concentra-
increase in viscosity as compared to the Fe3O4 nanofluid.
tion compared to water data.

Table 2
The thermal conductivity and viscosity comparison between single particle nanofluid (Fe3O4/water [70]) and hybrid nanofluids (MWCNT-Fe3O4 [38] and ND-Fe3O4 [50]).

Property Temperature T (°C) Base fluid Fe3O4/water nanofluid MWCNT-Fe3O4/water hybrid nanofluid ND-Fe3O4/water hybrid nanofluid [50]
[70] [38]

ϕ =0.0% ϕ =0.2% ϕ =0.1% ϕ =0.3% ϕ =0.05% ϕ =0.10% ϕ =0.20%

Thermal conductivity (W/ 20 0.602 0.6524 0.6734 0.6856 0.6158 0.6345 0.6571
m K) 40 0.631 0.7167 0.72 0.7656 0.6489 0.6706 0.7036
60 0.653 0.7619 0.7891 0.8389 0.6842 0.7177 0.769
Viscosity (mPa s) 20 0.79 0.84 0.91 1.01 1.2 1.23 1.26
40 0.52 0.55 0.61 0.76 0.58 0.61 0.64
60 0.24 0.33 0.39 0.45 0.37 0.39 0.41

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Fig. 14. Nusselt number comparison between Al2O3-Cu/water hybrid nanofluid and
Al2O3/water nanofluid at 0.1% volume concentration (Suresh et al. [35]).

bottom wall; they reported the higher heat transfer rates for hybrid
nanofluids compared to nanofluids with the same volume concentra-
tion.
Aravind and Ramaprabhu [44] synthesized graphene and gra-
phene/multi walled carbon nanotube composite material and prepared
water-based nanofluids and found heat transfer enhancement of 193%
at Reynolds number of 2000 for 0.02% volume concentration and
suggested these nanofluids are beneficial for cooling of electronic
circuits.
Fig. 12. Heat transfer coefficient at different volume fraction of nanofluids and Reynolds
number (a) GC/DI water (b) GC/EG CG/DI water (Aravind and Ramaprabhu [44]). 6.2. Oxides based hybrid nanofluids

The relevant literature related to heat transfer of oxides-based

hybrid nanofluids is surveyed in what follows. Suresh et al. [35]
experimentally estimated the heat transfer coefficient of Al2O3-Cu/
water hybrid nanofluids flow in a tube and observed Nusselt number
enhancement of 13.56% at 0.1% volume concentration at Reynolds
number of 1730 compared with water and the data is shown in Fig. 14.
Suresh et al. [61] also used Al2O3-Cu/water hybrid nanofluid flow in a
tube under turbulent flow conditions and observed heat transfer
enhancement of 8.02% at 0.1% volume concentration..
Han and Rhi [63] prepared hybrid nanofluids with different volume
concentrations of Ag/Al2O3-H2O and used as working fluid in a
grooved heated pipe and they determined the heat transfer coefficient
in the heat transfer rate for a power range of 50–300 W with 50 W
intervals, volume concentrations of 0.005%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and hybrid
combinations, inclination of 5°, 45° and 90°, and cooling water
temperatures of 1 °C, 10 °C, and 20 °C and obtained better thermal
performance with hybrid nanofluids in a grooved heat pipe.
Madhesh et al. [36] obtained heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt
number and overall heat transfer coefficient enhancements of 52%,
Fig. 13. Nusselt number of MWCNT-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluids estimated from Eq. (10) 49% and 68% at 2.0% volume concentration of Cu-TiO2 hybrid
with effects of particle concentrations and Reynolds number (Sundar et al. [38]). nanofluids with a pumping penalty of 14.9%.
Ho et al. [60] prepared hybrid water-based suspension of Al2O3
Baby and Ramaprabhu [43] synthesized multi-walled carbon and microencapsulated phase change material (n-eicosane) particles
nanotubes (MWNT), hydrogen exfoliated graphene (HEG) and silver (MEPCM) and estimated the convective heat transfer coefficient and
nanoparticles and prepared EG-based nanofluids; they observed con- observed effective cooling.
vective heat transfer enhancement of 570% for 0.005% volume con- Baby and Ramaprabhu [55] prepared CuO/HEG water and EG
centration at Re=250. Takabi and Salehi [65] numerically investigated based hybrid nanofluids and observed at 0.005% nanofluid heat
laminar natural convection for Al2O3-Cu/water hybrid nanofluids in a transfer enhancement is 81% and 202% at entrance of the pipe, 39%
sinusoidal corrugated enclosure with a discrete heat source on the and 156% at the exit of the pipe for Reynolds numbers of 4500 and
15500. At same Reynolds numbers range for 0.01% nanofluid the heat

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transfer enhancement is 138% and 232% at the entrance of the pipe, 8. Applications of hybrid nanofluids
respectively.
Baby and Ramaprabhu [41] prepared silver/hydrogen induced The single phase fluids such as water (W), ethylene glycol (EG),
exfoliated graphene (Ag/HEG) water and EG based nanofluids. They propylene glycol (PG) and engine oil (EO) are primarily used in, among
observed for water-based nanofluids, the heat transfer enhancement is many other applications, in electronic cooling, engine cooling and
157% at 0.005% vol of nanofluid at the entrance of the heated section vehicle thermal management, generator cooling, in machining coolant,
and 105% at the exit of the heated section at a Reynolds number of welding, power systems, lubrication, thermal storage, solar heating,
15000. At same Reynolds number (Re=15500), for 0.01% vol of cooling and heating in buildings, biomedical, spacecraft devices and
nanofluid the enhancement is 188% and 122% at the entrance and at defense equipment. To achieve improved heat transfer rates with these
the exit of the heated section. Similarly they observed for EG-based single-phase fluids in heat exchange applications is practically impos-
nanofluids at 0.005% vol, the enhancement is 291% and 188% at the sible due to their relatively low thermal conductivities; moreover, their
entrance and exit of the tube at Re=250. At same Reynolds number use with phase change is often precluded for technological or opera-
(Re=250), for 0.01% vol of nanofluid, the enhancement is 327% and tional reasons. Therefore, one path to enhance their heat transfer
289% at entrance and exit of the pipe. performance is to disperse small quantities of nanometer-size particles.
Researchers have observed higher heat transfer rates by using a variety
of nanoparticles in different base fluids [5,7,8,10,12,13,19 and 21–28].
Over the recent past, the advancement of this area of nanotechnology,
7. Friction factor characteristics of hybrid nanofluids
particularly in what concerns the synthesis of nanocomposite materials
and their characterization, and the preparation of hybrid nanofluids,
7.1. Carbon nanotubes based hybrid nanofluids
has been making major strides. Consistently, the published work
demonstrates that the heat transfer enhancement obtained with hybrid
The eventual augmentation friction factor for hybrid nanofluids
nanofluids is consistently higher than that of single phase nanoparticles
may critical in determining the viability of their use in commercial
nanofluids [35,38,61,41–43 and 55], as a result of synergistic thermal
applications. The increase of friction factor beyond a certain threshold
conductivity property of the hybrid nanofluids. The use of hybrid
may require an amount of pumping power that will offset the benefits
nanofluids still is very limited; however, with heat transfer enhance-
of enhanced heat transfer. Ideally, a hybrid nanofluid should satisfy
ment values as high as 31.10% [38], hybrid nanofluids may become the
simultaneously moderate increase or even reduced friction factor and
heat transfer fluid of the future for various potential applications. Even
substantially enhanced heat transfer coefficient. Sundar et al. [38]
so, the number of review articles dealing with the heat transfer
conducted friction factor experiments for MWCNT-Fe3O4/water hybrid
characterization of hybrid nanofluids is scarce [66].
nanofluids flowing in a tube and they observed for 0.3% vol that the
nanofluid friction factor increased by 1.18-times at a Reynolds number
of 22000; the experimental values are presented in Fig. 15.. 8.1. Heat sink

Selvakumar and Suresh [62] used Al2O3-Cu/water hybrid nanofluid

as coolant for thin-channeled copper heat sink and observed heat
7.2. Oxides based hybrid nanofluids transfer enhancement of 25.2% at a mass flow rate of 0.0178 kg/s at
0.1% vol compared to distilled water.
Suresh et al. [35] determined the friction factor of Al2O3-Cu/water
hybrid nanofluids flow in a tube and observed friction factor enhance-
ment of 16.97% at 0.1% volume concentration when compared with 8.2. Boiling
water; for the same volume concentration the friction factor enhance-
ment of Al2O3/water nanofluid is 6%. This result indicates that the Bhosale and Borse [69] prepared Al2O3-Cu/water hybrid nanofluids
Al2O3-Cu/water hybrid nanofluid will cause an extra penalty in terms by considering 2.5 mg of CuO and 2.5 mg of Al2O3 and observed 90% of
of pumping power, when compared to Al2O3/water nanofluid; the data critical heat flux enhancement for 1.0% vol of nanofluids using 36
set is presented in Fig. 16. Suresh et al. [61] also determined the gauge nicrome wire.
friction factor of 0.1% of Al2O3-Cu/water hybrid nanofluids flowing in a
tube under turbulent flow conditions and they observed that the
friction factor of Al2O3-Cu/water slightly higher than that for Al2O3/
water nanofluid..
Selvakumar and Suresh [62] observed pressure drop enhancement
of 14.25% for 0.1% Al2O3-Cu/water hybrid nanofluid flow in a thin
channeled copper heat sink at volume flow rate of 1.347 L/min
(2.24×10−5 m3/s).
Sundar et al. [12,38] conducted heat transfer and friction factor for
MWCNT-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluid flow in a tube and compared with
Fe3O4 nanofluid data. For the same Reynolds number of 22000, the
heat transfer enhancement is 30.96% for 0.6% vol of Fe3O4/water
nanofluid and 31.10% for 0.3% vol of MWCNT-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluid,
when both are compared to water. Also for the Reynolds number of
22000, the friction factor increase, when compared to water, is 1.10-
times for 0.6% vol of Fe3O4/water nanofluid and 1.18-times for 0.3%
vol of MWCNT-Fe3O4. For hybrid nanofluids, taking into consideration
the heat transfer enhancement, the increase in friction factor is
practically negligible. The available heat transfer and friction factor
data for hybrid nanofluids are summarized in Table 3. The available
Nusselt number and friction factor correlations for hybrid nanofluids in Fig. 15. Experimental friction factor of MWCNT-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluids from Eq. (16)
laminar and turbulent flow regimes are reported in Table 4. with effects of particle concentrations and Reynolds number (Sundar et al. [38]).

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particles is achieved with well-established techniques, for nanocompo-

site based nanofluids, the dispersion of two different materials in the
base fluid poses a considerable problem due to the surface charge
(positive or negative), which varies from one-particle to another one.
Therefore, when preparing hybrid nanofluids it should be given to the
following aspects: (i) selection of appropriate materials, (ii) synthesis of
the nanocomposite materials, (iii) bonding between the materials
involved in the composite, and (iv) use of adequate surfactant. An
unfortunate drawback associated with the hybrid nanofluids is their
increased of viscosity, when compared to that of the base fluid. The
nanofluids, when used in internal flows, lead to an increase of pressure
drop with the consequent increase in pumping power.
The optimized selection and synthesis of materials for the prepara-
tion of stable hybrid nanofluids still are an elusive goal; therefore, they
should be a research priority in the immediate future with the
additional aim of reducing their cost and in this way facilitate their
utilization in commercial engineering applications. For design pur-
poses, development of theoretical models for the thermophysical
properties, such as thermal conductivity and viscosity, for hybrid
nanofluids should be considered as an important research priority.
Fig. 16. Variation of friction factor with Reynolds number for the different fluids
(Suresh et al. [35]).
10. Conclusions
8.3. Micro power generation
The thermal properties, such as thermal conductivity and viscosity,
of hybrid-nanofluids present higher values than those for single-
He et al. [67] prepared single walled carbon nanotube-copper
nanofluids; the thermal conductivity and viscosity of water-based
sulfide nanoparticles (SWCNT-CuS NPs) dispersed in poly-styrene
Fe3O4, MWCNT-Fe3O4 and ND-Fe3O4 are used for the purpose of
sulfonate solution and used in micro-power generation and observed
comparison. The thermal conductivity of Fe3O4 nanofluid is enhanced
the voltage enhancement for 1.6 mV at 900 μL nanofluid.
up to 8.3% and 16.67% for ϕ =0.2% vol at temperatures of 20 °C and
60 °C, respectively; while, for ϕ =0.2% vol, the thermal conductivity is
8.4. Solar energy enhanced by 12.8% and 24.65% with MWCNT-Fe3O4 and 9.15% and
17.76% withND-Fe3O4/water at temperatures of 20 °C and 60 °C,
Xuan et al. [68] prepared TiO2/Ag hybrid nanofluids and studied respectively. The viscosity of Fe3O4 nanofluid is increased by 6.32%
the solar energy absorption features with solar irradiation spectrum and 37.5% for ϕ =0.2% vol at temperatures of 20 °C and 60 °C,
and they compared the optical properties of hybrid nanofluids with respectively; while, for ϕ =0.2% vol, the viscosity is increased by
individual TiO2 and Ag nanofluids. 39.87% and 75% with MWCNT-Fe3O4 and 59.49% and 70.83% with
ND-Fe3O4 at temperatures of 20 °C and 60 °C, respectively. These
9. Challenges of hybrid nanofluids values indicate that hybrid nanofluids exhibit higher thermal conduc-
tivity than the nanoparticle (Fe3O4) nanofluid; unfortunately, this
The stability of nanocomposite nanoparticles in the base fluid is a enhancement of thermal conductivity is accompanied by an increase
major challenge. While for single-phase nanofluids, stability of the in viscosity. The use of 26% of MWCNT for the preparation of the

Table 3
Heat transfer and friction factor enhancements of hybrid nanofluids.

Hybrid nanofluids Flow conditions Investigations Ref.

Heat transfer Friction factor

Al2O3-Cu/water 700 < Re<2300 Heat transfer enhancement of 13.56% at ϕ=0. 1% Friction factor increase of Suresh et al. [35]
ϕ=0. 1% 16.97% at ϕ=0. 1%
Al2O3-Cu/water 2576 < Re<9263 Heat transfer enhancement of 24.35% atϕ=0. 1% – Selvakumar and Suresh
ϕ=0. 1% [62]
Cu-TiO2/water 3500 < Re<7500 Heat transfer and Nusselt number increase of 52% and Friction factor increase of Madhesh et al. [36]
0. 1% < ϕ < 2.0% 49% at ϕ=2. 0% 14.9% at ϕ=2. 0%
Ag/(MWNT-HEG) dispersed in 250<Re<1000 Heat transfer enhancement of 570% at ϕ=0. 005% at – Baby and Ramaprabhu
EG 0. 005% < ϕ < 0.01% Reynolds number=250 Sundara [43]
Graphene wrapped multiwalled 2000 < Re<10000 Heat transfer enhancement of 135% for water nanofluid – Aravind and
carbon nanotubes (MWNT)/ 0. 01% < ϕ < 0.02% and 110% for EG nanofluid at Re=2000 for ϕ=0. 01% Ramaprabhu [44]
water and EG
Ag/HEG dispersed in water and 250 < Re<15500 Heat transfer enhancement is 122% at Re=15500 for – Baby and Ramaprabhu
EG 0. 005% < ϕ < 0.01% ϕ = 0. 01% water nanofluid and enhancement is 289% [41]
at Re=15500 for ϕ = 0. 01% EG nanofluid.
MWCNT/Fe3O4 dispersed in 3000<Re < 22000 The Nusselt number enhancement of 31.10% for 0.3% Friction factor increase of Sundar et al. [38]
water 0 < φ<0.3% nanofluid at Re=22000 for ϕ=0. 3% 1.18-times at Re = 22000 for
4. 50<Pr < 6.13 ϕ=0. 3%
CuO/HEG dispersed water and 250 < Re<15500 Heat transfer enhancement is 156% at Re=15500 for – Baby and Ramaprabhu
EG 0. 005% < ϕ<0.01% ϕ = 0. 01% water nanofluid [55]

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Table 4
Available Nusselt number and friction factor correlations.

Hybrid nanofluids Correlations Ref.

Nusselt number Friction factor

Al2O3-Cu/water Nu = 0. 031(Re Pr)0.68(1 + ϕ)95.73 f = 26.44Re−0.8737(1 + ϕ)156.23 Suresh et al. [35]

700<Re < 2300; ϕ=0.1% 700<Re<2300;
ϕ=0.1%
Cu-TiO2/water Nu = 0. 012RePr0.333(ϕ)0.032 – Madhesh et al. [36]
4000<Re < 8000; 0.15 < ϕ<2.0%
MWCNT/Fe3O4 water Nu = 0. 0215Re0.8Pr0.5(1 + ϕ)0.78 f =0.3108Re−0.245(1+ϕ)0.42 Sundar et al. [38]
3000 < Re < 22000; 0<ϕ<0.3% 3000 < Re < 22000;
4.50 < Pr < 6.13 0<ϕ<0.3%
4.50 < Pr < 6.13
Al2O3-Cu/water 145.61 – Selvakumar and Suresh [62]
Nu=0.3124Re0.2351Pr0.7341(1+ϕ)
2576<Re < 9263; ϕ=0.1%

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