The synergy between nanofluids and microchannels has become a cornerstone in addressing the escalating thermal challenges across diverse industries, as this symbiotic relationship can meet stringent thermal demands. The objective of the current review is to provide a general and recent overview of all aspects, enhancement techniques, and variables related to miniature channels aligned with utilizing nanofluids from a liquid convection perspective, categorizing variables, and focusing on unique and recent methods used from experimental and numerical perspectives. Consequently, the main elements are simplified into the coolant, heat sink, and operating conditions; besides, their interactions are pivotal because there is no absolute answer for which specific combination of techniques leads to the highest enhancement; however, more complex geometries, sharp edges, and dynamic flow were preferred. Experimental and numerical findings are not identical; besides, the availability of experimental contributions is much lower, which increases the barrier to knowing the enhancement mechanisms and the phenomena behind them. Hybrid nanofluids do not always have a beneficial effect; besides, increasing Re number or particle concentration in HYNF as well; however, higher heat loads are preferred when utilizing nanofluids in MCHS. Increasing the level of hybridization showed a higher enhancement value; however, it was not tested through miniature channels. The manipulation of micro concentrations, hybridization ratios, higher levels of hybridization, porous heat sinks, bionic configurations, organic nanofluids, nanophase change materials, new modeling techniques like ANN, GA, and LBM, and carbon-based heat sinks despite the fabrication barrier are all recommended.
 
Special Issue of AEIC 2024 (Mechanical & Chemical and Material Engineering  Session)