Nanofluids are engineered colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles (1-100 nm) in a base fluid. Common base fluids include water and organic liquids. Nanoparticles are typically made of chemically stable metals, metal oxides or carbon in various forms. The size of the nanoparticles imparts some unique characteristics to these fluids, including greatly enhanced energy, momentum and mass transfer, as well as reduced tendency for sedimentation and erosion of the containing surfaces. Nanofluids are being investigated for numerous applications, including cooling, manufacturing, chemical and pharmaceutical processes, medical treatments, cosmetics, etc.

A wealth of multi-disciplinary research activities in the nanofluid area exists at MIT. To foster inter-disciplinary collaboration and make effective use of existing capabilities and expertise, the Center for Nanofluids Technology at MIT has been created. This center includes researchers from the departments of Aero-Astro Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, and Nuclear Science and Engineering.