06/23/2026
Ink-Based Cooling Technology Could Replace Traditional Refrigerants
Researchers have developed a new ink-based thermoelectric technology that could provide a cleaner alternative to conventional refrigeration systems. The breakthrough may help reduce the environmental problems associated with refrigerants used in air conditioners, refrigerators, and heat pumps while enabling more efficient cooling for a wide range of applications.
Today's refrigerants can contribute to emissions, leakage concerns, flammability risks, and end-of-life disposal challenges. Thermoelectric cooling offers a different approach by using solid-state materials that transfer heat when electricity is applied. Because these systems have no moving parts and require no gaseous refrigerants, they can operate with zero refrigerant leaks.
A team led by researchers at the University of Notre Dame developed an innovative manufacturing process that turns silver and selenium into a printable ink. Using techniques similar to screen printing, the ink can be deposited directly into device patterns and then transformed into high-performance thermoelectric materials. The approach is simple, scalable, and significantly less expensive than traditional manufacturing methods.
The resulting devices can provide localized, energy-efficient cooling for electronics, medical devices, automobiles, data centers, and buildings. Researchers report that the printing process produces high-performance silver selenide thermoelectric materials while enabling rapid, large-scale production. The technology could help make thermoelectric cooling commercially viable for applications that currently rely on conventional refrigerants.
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