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Colossal and reversible barocaloric effect in liquid-solid-transition materials n-alkanes.
Jianchao Lin1, Peng Tong2, Kai Zhang1
1Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
Nature Communications
|February 2, 2022
Summary
Researchers discovered a colossal barocaloric (BC) effect in n-alkanes, offering a green cooling alternative. This effect, triggered by low-pressure liquid-solid transitions, shows significant cooling capability comparable to commercial refrigerants.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Thermodynamics
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Conventional vapor-compression cooling systems pose environmental risks.
- Existing caloric cooling materials exhibit limited cooling capabilities compared to traditional methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the barocaloric (BC) effect in n-alkanes.
- To explore the potential of liquid-solid-transition (L-S-T) materials for efficient and environmentally friendly cooling.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of the barocaloric effect in n-alkanes under varying pressure.
- Utilizing Raman spectroscopy to analyze molecular behavior.
- Employing theoretical calculations to understand entropy changes.
Main Results:
- A colossal barocaloric effect was observed in n-alkanes associated with the liquid-solid-transition.
- A low pressure of approximately 50 MPa induced a significant entropy change of ~700 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹.
- Pressure-induced suppression of molecular chain motion in the liquid state leads to a colossal BC effect upon solidification.
Conclusions:
- N-alkanes exhibit a colossal barocaloric effect driven by liquid-solid-transitions, presenting a promising green cooling technology.
- This discovery opens new pathways for developing advanced caloric cooling materials by leveraging L-S-T phenomena.
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