ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the preparation, characterization, and theoretical analysis of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and gold (Au) nanofluids on a non-polar heat transfer fluid normally used in concentrating solar power plants. The nanofluids were prepared by means of the two-step method that consists of the dispersion of nanoparticles into the base fluid. UV-vis spectroscopy is one of the techniques used to analyze the stability of the nanofluids and the sedimentation process that can occur. The isobaric specific heat is a thermal property of relevance in the study of heat transport by means of heat transfer fluids. Thus, it is of interest the comparison of the isobaric specific heat values of the nanofluids with those of the base fluid. Thermal conductivity of Cu, Ag, and Au nanofluids and base fluid was measured at different temperatures, and measurements were performed using the laser flash technique.
