The work presented in this thesis involves the synthesis and thermal and rheological characterization of a new type of nanofluid : the Cu2O/glycerol system. The characterization was carried out as a function of the size of the particles in suspension, the temperature and the volume fraction of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles and nanofluids were synthesised by the thermal decomposition method, providing a good yield of nanoparticles (17%). Apparatus for thermal measurements using the 3ω method was constructed, and rheological and thermal characterization was carried out. Significant increases in thermal conductivity were observed : 120% and 35% for volume fractions as low as 0.625% and 0.078%, respectively, of 7-nm-diameter nanoparticles, without noticeable effect on the viscosity of the host fluid, leading to a considerable improvement in the energy content.We found that the concentration and surface area of the nanoparticles are key parameters influencing the behaviour of the effective thermal conductivity of the nanofluid. Surface modification of the nanoparticles by functionalization or secondary chemical reactions has a profound effect on the Brownian motion in the heat transfer between nanoparticles and fluid host.
