A quiet revolution is brewing at the heart of our appliances: a team of Australian researchers has discovered how to replace the greenhouse gases used in refrigeration systems with something completely different: crystals that behave like plastic. What exactly is it?
Greenhouse gases, cleaner refrigeration needed
R-134a, a hydrofluorocarbon that replaced Freon, is the most widely used gas in modern refrigerators. Although it does not damage the ozone layer, it contributes to global warming when it leaks from appliances. Research published in Science (I link it to you here) opens new perspectives for an alternative and more sustainable solution.
“Plastic crystals, so called because their molecules can move under certain conditions, exhibit unique properties,” explain the researchers at Deakin University. When these crystals are subjected to pressure, the molecules change from a disordered state to an ordered grid-like configuration, absorbing heat and cooling the surrounding air.
The results of the research
The team of chemical engineers tested different types of crystals to find the most effective one at room temperature. The results were surprising: Some crystals are able to extract heat from the air at temperatures between -37°C and 10°C, a perfect range for home applications.
The technological challenge to greenhouse gases
To use the crystals as a refrigerant, the researchers built a compression chamber and added a fan to distribute the cold air. The system works by cycling the crystals in and out. However, as the scientists themselves point out, the high pressure required currently makes the process too expensive.
Future prospects
Josep-Lluis Tamarit e Pol Lloveras of Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, in a perspective article published in the same issue of Science, highlight the potential of this technology. The main challenge remains to optimize the process to make it economically competitive.
The environmental impact
The research, the result of collaboration between Deakin University, University of Western Australia, University of Sydney e Monash University, represents a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gases. If successfully developed, this technology could eliminate one of the hidden but significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our goal is to develop a completely clean refrigeration technology,” he explains. Samantha L.Piper, lead author of the study. “Plastic crystals could be the key to achieving this goal.”
As often happens in great innovations, nature offers us surprising solutions. Plastic crystals, with their ability to absorb and release heat in a controlled manner, could be the answer we were looking for for a more sustainable future in refrigeration. There is still a long way to go, but the direction is the right one.
