Nanotechnology and Thermal Storage: A Bibliometric Study on the Impact of Nanoparticles on Energy Efficiency

Abstract

The bibliometric study on nanotechnology applied to thermal energy storage has identified key trends in the development of nanomaterials aimed at improving energy efficiency. A steady increase in scientific production has been observed since 2017, with a remarkable peak in 2023, reflecting a rise in investment and interest in research related to nanoparticles and their impact on thermal storage systems. The findings demonstrate that materials such as metal oxides and carbon nanotubes have optimized heat absorption and transfer, enhancing the stability and durability of devices. The bibliometric analysis has also revealed the strengthening of international scientific collaborations, with a high concentration of publications in China and India. Co-authorship networks exhibit strong interdisciplinarity, integrating nanotechnology with thermal engineering and sustainability. Furthermore, computational tools such as VOSviewer and RStudio have enabled visualization of research evolution and identification of the most influential articles. Another significant finding is the impact of artificial intelligence in material optimization, facilitating the prediction of thermal behavior and system efficiency. The combination of nanomaterials with phase change materials (PCM) has been key to improving thermal storage in industrial and energy applications. This study demonstrates that nanotechnology will continue to play a fundamental role in the transition toward more sustainable and efficient energy sources, providing new opportunities for research and development in the field.