A research team of Tohoku University, Nissan Motor Co., Shinshu University, and Okayama University made a groundbreaking discovery in the quest to replace hydrofluorocarbons in refrigeration systems with natural refrigerants such as water and alcohol.
Their study involved carrying-out a liquid-to-gas phase transition via a nanosponge, a soft, elastic material equipped with small nanopores less than 10 nanometers. Their findings could lead to more efficient refrigerants with a smaller carbon footprint.
Refrigeration systems are widely used in air conditioners and refrigerators. Conventional systems use hydrofluorocarbons as a refrigerant. However, hydrofluorocarbons are super pollutants. Their Global Warming Potential is about 1300 times higher than that of CO2.
The team of researchers successfully carried out a force-driven liquid-to-gas phase transition using a nanosponge. When a normal, wet sponge is squeezed, naturally, water is expected to come out. However, when using a nanosponge with a pore size of under 10 nanometers, a different phenomenon occurs. Even under low pressure, the sponge retains its liquid.
When applying force, however, the expelled liquid immediately evaporates into gas. Furthermore, as the sponge returns to its natural shape, it adsorbs the gas as a liquid into the nanopores again.
Until now, researchers have not carried out the squeezing process of nanoporous materials because conventional materials are too hard to be deformed. Nevertheless, the team circumvented this by creating their own soft, elastic, nanoporous materials, consisting of a single-layer of graphene walls. They measured their results using a home-made equipment designed to monitor liquid-gas phase transition when mechanical force is applied.
The team thought about the squeezing method after developing soft nanoporous materials. But even they could not anticipate their prediction becoming reality at the first attempt.
To date, there have been only two methods of converting trapped liquid into gas: i. heating or ii. decreasing the gas-phase pressure. The squeezing method provides a third way, generating a new theme in the field of physical chemistry and paving the path for more environmentally friendly refrigeration systems. Cool stuff!
Learn more: Developing a New Type of Refrigeration via Force-Driven Liquid Gas Transition
The Latest on: Refrigeration
[google_news title=”” keyword=”refrigeration” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Refrigeration
- Refrigeration mishaps. Common fruits and veggies you're storing the wrongon April 27, 2024 at 6:56 am
Onions, tomatoes, carrots... these are just some of the fruits and vegetables we often store in the refrigerator as a matter of routine. After returning from the grocery store, it's common to put ...
- Welbilt’s Refrigeration Brands Announce Leadership Transitionson April 26, 2024 at 11:58 am
Filippo Berti, Chairman and CEO of the Ali Group, announced several organizational changes to become effective immediately. After a 17-year tenure in various roles with the Ali Group, Will Means, ...
- Refrigeration system installed at Gospel Rescue Mission to help in offering meals to hungryon April 25, 2024 at 9:00 pm
A refrigeration system was installed at the Gospel Rescue Mission so they can continue offering over a thousand daily warm meals to people who are in ...
- Refrigeration Oil Industry Poised for Growth: Projected Valuation of US$ 2,332.9 Million by 2033, with a CAGR of 4.9%on April 25, 2024 at 8:45 pm
The refrigeration oil market plays a role in supporting the efficient and operation of refrigeration systems across various industries.
- Truck, Trailer Reefer Weakness Hurts Carrier Global Profitson April 25, 2024 at 10:59 am
Carrier Global profits dropped in the first quarter of 2024, with results hurt by weaker North American truck and trailer refrigeration sales, the company said April 25.
- Refrigeration that cools with less fuelon April 24, 2024 at 5:59 am
Refrigeration energy usage and costs are a hot topic so it pays to choose models that are both efficient and help you save on your energy bills.
- Industrial Refrigeration Systems Market Size is projected to reach USD 29.07 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.4%: Straits Researchon April 22, 2024 at 7:50 am
According t, “The global industrial refrigeration systems market size was valued at USD 19.73 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 29.07 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% during the ...
- Vietnam Magnetic Refrigeration Market Analysis, Key Segments, Share, Size, Growth Status, and Forecast to 2024 to 2032on April 17, 2024 at 3:43 pm
The recent analysis by Report Ocean on the “Vietnam Magnetic Refrigeration Market” Report 2024 to 2032 revolves around various aspects of the market, including characteristics, size and growth, ...
- Global Commercial Refrigeration Compressors Market Set to Exceed US$ 58,940.03 Million Valuation by 2033, Driven by Steady 4.3% CAGRon April 17, 2024 at 7:14 am
The commercial refrigeration compressors market is poised for significant expansion, with a consistent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.3% projected. By 2033, it is anticipated to achieve an ...
- This Week's Find: An Alley Home on the Hill That Used To Be a Refrigeration Planton April 16, 2024 at 10:23 am
A Street SE Rear was purchased by artist Walter Kravitz and his wife Judith Harris in the late 1980s and converted into a home.
via Bing News