Dynamic structure and cluster formation in confined nanofluids under the action of an external force field

The dynamic structure and the formation of clusters in nanoparticle colloidal solutions (nanofluids) confined between two parallel walls and submitted to the action of an external force field is studied by extensive Brownian-dynamics simulations. The self-correlation of individual particles and the time correlation between distinct particles are analyzed by calculating the density-density time correlation (van Hove) function. It is shown that the self-diffusion is reduced by the external force field while the lifetime of collective modes of nanoparticles (i.e., natural phonons) is significantly enhanced by this force. We demonstrate that this result is related to disorder-order transitions in the nanoparticle spatial distribution under perturbation. Interestingly, we highlight that the interaction forces mediated by the walls act like repulsive interparticle forces. They tend to increase the structural disorder and to lower the lifetime of collective modes. Our results suggest that the heat transport properties of nanofluids could be actively controlled in nanometer-size systems.