NANOCOOLANTS — Argonne scientists have developed a patented method to suspend copper nanoparticles in water and ethylene glycol. The resulting heat-transfer fluids conduct heat more efficiently than conventional coolants because the suspended nanoscale particles have a higher percentage of their atoms near their surfaces, improving the fluid's ability to absorb and transfer heat. The particles' small mass does not damage heat exchange surfaces. Argonne is working with NEI Corp., Nuvonyx, Inc., and the Korean Electric Power Research Institute to refine this technology for practical use.

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