Scientists have invented a new method of refrigeration called ionocaloric cooling, which uses ions to lower temperatures as an alternative to traditional vapor compression refrigeration systems.
Typical refrigeration works by evaporating and condensing a refrigerant fluid, but many refrigerants in use are harmful to the environment.
Ionocaloric cooling works by applying a small electric charge to cause a phase change in a salt-based material like sodium iodide, absorbing heat from its surroundings in the process.
In experiments, researchers were able to achieve a 25 degree Celsius temperature shift using less than 1 volt, outperforming other caloric cooling technologies.
The method has potential to be more efficient and environmentally friendly than current refrigerants, which contribute to global warming. It could help countries reduce hydrofluorocarbon production per the Kigali Amendment.
Further work is needed to develop practical devices using this discovery and test different material combinations to meet engineering challenges for commercial and residential cooling applications.
Source: ScienceAlert
