Abstract: A method for in-situ treatment of a metallic surface utilizing a nanoparticle dispersion to increase at least one of (i) the critical heat flux. (ii) the boiling heat transfer rate, or (iii) the corrosion resistance of the metallic surface when in operation without a nanofluid heat transfer liquid, comprising: (1) cleaning the metallic surface: (2) conditioning the metallic surface to enhance nanoparticle binding to the metallic surface by applying a polymeric binding agent; (3) forming at least one thin film layer of nanoparticles on the metallic surface by contacting the nanoparticle dispersion with the metallic surface at a temperature and pressure sufficient to boil the nanoparticle dispersion; and, optionally (4) curing the nanoparticle layer by heating the metallic surface to a temperature higher than the temperature sufficient to boil the nanoparticle dispersion.