Nanofluids are promising fluids for heat-transfer applications. Low stability and high viscosity are two important drawbacks for practical applications of nanofluids. The aggregation and sedimentation of nanoparticles are related to the colloidal structure of nanofluids, which directly affects the stability and viscosity. An ultrasonic homogenizer can break the aggregation of particles. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the duration of ultrasonic treatment on colloidal structure, including the stability and temperature-dependent viscosity of a nanofluid. Specifically, a 0.5 vol % Al₂O₃–water nanofluid was prepared using an ultrasonic homogenizer for various durations from 0 to 180 min. The microstructure, colloid and particle sizes, precipitation, and zeta (ζ) potential were analyzed to investigate the aggregation and sedimentation of the nanofluid. The viscosities of nanofluids subjected to ultrasonic treatment for different durations were also measured at different temperatures from 15 to 45 °C. Better particle dispersion, lower particle sizes, smaller colloid sizes, less precipitation, and higher ζ potentials were observed with increasing sonication time. The viscosity of Al₂O₃–water nanofluid was found to increase with the sonication time up to 60 min and then subsequently decreased. In addition, the viscosity decreased with increasing temperature. The research concluded that more stabler and lower-viscosity nanofluids can be obtained by applying ultrasonic treatment for durations of 90 min or longer.

Metal–air batteries are a promising technology that could be used in several applications, from portable devices to large-scale energy storage applications. This work is a comprehensive review of the recent progress made in metal-air batteries MABs. It covers the theoretical considerations and mechanisms of MABs, electrochemical performance, and the progress made in the development of different structures of MABs. The operational concepts and recent developments in MABs are thoroughly discussed, with a particular focus on innovative materials design and cell structures. The classical research on traditional MABs was chosen and contrasted with metal–air flow systems, demonstrating the merits associated with the latter in terms of achieving higher energy density and efficiency, along with stability. Furthermore, the recent applications of MABs were discussed. Finally, a broad overview of challenges/opportunities and potential directions for commercializing this technology is carefully discussed. The primary focus of this investigation is to present a concise summary and to establish future directions in the development of MABs from traditional static to advanced flow technologies. A systematic analysis of this subject from a material and chemistry standpoint is presented as well.