Characterization of Thermal Radiative Properties of Nanofluids for Selective Absorption of Solar Radiation

Nanofluids are used in device cooling, heat pipes, and other applications. Researchers in thermal engineering have extensively investigated the thermal conductivity and enhanced heat transfer of nanofluids. This study investigates the thermal radiative properties of nanofluids and discusses the characteristics of the selective absorption of solar radiation of nanofluids. Several kinds of nanoparticles are prepared using the two-step method, and the effects of dispersants, mass fractions, and nanoparticle materials on the radiative properties of nanofluids within the wavelength range of 300 nm to 2500 nm are analyzed. Dispersants can reduce the transmittance of water by <5 % within the visible spectrum. ZnO- and AlN-water nanofluids selectively absorb solar radiation, whereas ZrC- and TiN-water nanofluids absorb most of the solar radiation applied to them. The findings of this study are beneficial to research on the application of nanofluids in solar energy utilization.