Scientists are developing a new type of crystals that could serve as an 'environmentally friendly' alternative to refrigerants in refrigerators and air conditioners. These crystals, called 'plastic crystals,' change from a disordered state to an ordered network under high pressure, and revert to a disordered state when the pressure is removed, absorbing heat and cooling their surroundings without creating a greenhouse effect. Unlike previous methods, these crystals can operate at temperatures ranging from minus 37 degrees Celsius to plus 10 degrees Celsius, potentially transforming household refrigerators and freezers into environmentally friendly appliances. Current refrigerators and air conditioners use materials that cool by absorbing heat through evaporation and condensation processes, but these materials can exacerbate global warming if leaked. Despite advancements, this technology is still in the laboratory stage. One of the main challenges is the very high pressure required for the operation of these crystals. David Bouldering from the University of Glasgow, UK, states, 'These materials could decarbonize the cooling industry almost completely, but high pressures are a significant practical barrier.' Bing Li from the Chinese Academy of Sciences also notes that repeated use of these crystals may reduce their efficiency, as their molecular network experiences stress under multiple pressures. However, he is optimistic and believes this technology could be implemented in the near future. This advancement could be a significant step towards reducing the environmental impacts of cooling devices and play a key role in combating climate change.
Crystal Coolants; An Effort for Cooling Without Harming the Earth
Scientists are developing new 'plastic crystals' that can replace traditional refrigerants in cooling devices, offering an environmentally friendly alternative. While promising, the technology is still in the experimental phase due to challenges like high pressure requirements. This innovation could significantly reduce the environmental impact of cooling systems and aid in climate change efforts.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Scientists are developing new 'plastic crystals' that could replace harmful refrigerants in cooling devices, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative. However, the technology is still in the experimental phase due to challenges like the need for high pressure to operate.
- The crystals can operate at temperatures from -37°C to +10°C.
- Current refrigerants can exacerbate global warming if leaked.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Cooling devices are essential for modern living but often contribute to global warming through harmful refrigerants. New technologies aim to mitigate these effects.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%