Cooled by electric current.(perovskite enhanced for wider applications)(Brief article)

A wafer thin material, which cools on the application of an electric current, could lead to novel cooling systems for computer chips and more efficient fridges. Researchers at the University of Cambridge, UK, have enhanced the material perovskite (PZT) so that it undergoes a 12[degrees]C drop in temperature on application of 25V. This phenomenon, known as the electrocaloric effect, is more than 100 times greater than previously seen (Science 2006, 311, 1270). 'PZT is very efficient and, in the future, we think it can be used in a wide range of applications,' said Alex Mischenko, one of the researchers. He said that fridge manufacturers and a computer giant have shown interest …