Ionocaloric cooling, a new refrigeration method, could replace harmful refrigerants with a safer, eco-friendly solution.
Unlike traditional systems using gases with high global warming potential (GWP), ionocaloric cooling relies on ions to change a substance’s phase and absorb heat, similar to how salt lowers ice’s melting point. The method demonstrated a 25°C temperature shift with minimal energy, outperforming other cooling technologies.
With its potential for high efficiency, low GWP, and scalability, ionocaloric cooling could revolutionize cooling and heating systems as a sustainable alternative to current refrigerants.