The objective of this work is no less ambitious than to demonstrate a highly efficient molecular pumping approach that could render obsolete mechanical compressors used in many other applications today. How? By simply switching “on” and “off” a capacitor where refrigerant molecules can be concentrated or released in and from the capacitor. This simple concept provides a physical basis for non-mechanical pumping. So far, we have demonstrated proof-of-concept showing that a capacitor coated with an specific compound (IP sensitive) exhibits a reversible enthalpy change in presence of a refrigerant gas. We estimated an exothermic enthalpy change of -9.2 Kcal/mol when in the “on” position (concentrating, “compressing” refrigerant molecules in the capacitor), and an endotherm of 9.1 Kcal/mol (expansion of the refrigerant from the capacitor plates) when the capacitor is switched “off”. No such effects were observed without the presence of both the specific compound and refrigerant.

Towards polarization-switched solid-state molecular (POSSM) pumps

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.