Recent Advances in Performance Enhancement of Automotive Radiator with Nanofluids: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract: Automotive radiators are essential components of vehicle thermal management systems, and the integration of nanofluids has significantly enhanced their performance. Considerable advancements have been achieved through the application of advanced nanomaterials such as aluminum oxide, copper oxide, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, graphene oxide, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Al₂O₃ nanofluids exhibit heat transfer rate improvements of up to 43%, while CuO nanofluids demonstrate thermal conductivity enhancements of 40% and an increase in heat transfer coefficient exceeding 116%. TiO₂ nanofluids enhance radiator effectiveness by up to 47%, and ecofriendly SiO₂ nanofluids derived from rice husks achieve heat transfer coefficient improvements of 36.92%. GO nanofluids showcase exceptional thermal conductivity improvements of 83.7%, and MWCNT nanofluids increase convective heat transfer rates by up to 40%. Further advancements have been achieved with hybrid nanofluids that combine the properties of multiple nanomaterials for superior performance. Al₂O₃-CuO and Al₂O₃-TiO₂ hybrids boost heat transfer by up to 46%, while GO-SiO₂ blends combine high conductivity and stability for better thermal dissipation and lower pressure drops. CNC-CuO achieves over 92% heat transfer improvement, and ternary fluids such as CuO-MgO-TiO₂ offer efficient and energy-saving performance. GnP-MWCNT hybrids enhance thermal conductivity and convective transfer, supporting compact radiator designs and improved fuel efficiency. These results highlight the vital role of nanofluids in advancing automotive radiator technology.