Enhancing Automotive Radiator Performance Using Nanofluids: A Comprehensive Review

The demand for compact and efficient automotive thermal systems has accelerated interest in nanofluids—suspensions of nanoparticles such as Al₂O₃, CuO, TiO₂, and ZrO₂ in base fluids—as alternatives to conventional coolants. Nanofluids demonstrate superior thermal conductivity, convective heat transfer, and energy efficiency, with CuO and ZrO₂ nanofluids showing the most promising results. Reported improvements include up to 94% enhancement in convective heat transfer and reduced radiator size and pumping power. Despite these advances, challenges such as nanoparticle stability, long-term compatibility with radiator materials, and cost barriers remain. Addressing these gaps through real-world testing, hybrid nanofluids, and lifecycle assessment is crucial for future deployment in commercial automotive systems.