Nanoliquids are cool

researchers claim new nanotechnology techniques could lead to huge reductions in heating bills, safer surgery and the next generation of miniaturised computers.

By suspending nanoparticles in water or other liquids, Professor Richard Williams and Dr Yulong Ding have created nanofluids which can transfer heat up to 400 per cent faster than other liquids. In a central heating system, nanofluids could increase efficiency without the need to use a more powerful pump, so saving energy and providing major environmental benefits.

The fluids could open the door to the next generation of computers, by allowing rapid heat dissipation, one of the main limitations on developing smaller microchips.

During critical surgery, nanofluids could be used to cool the brain so it requires less oxygen and thereby enhance the patient’s chance of survival and reduce the risk of brain damage. They could also be used to produce a higher temperature around tumours to kill cancerous cells without affecting nearby healthy cells.