A research team from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), led by Dr. Jong-Woo Kim and Dr. Da-Seul Shin, has made significant progress in developing Korea’s first full-cycle magnetic cooling technology. This innovative approach could potentially replace conventional gas-based refrigeration systems, which are increasingly scrutinized for their environmental impact. The technology utilizes the magnetocaloric effect, allowing cooling to occur in a solid state without the use of gas refrigerants.
The commercialization of magnetic cooling technology has faced hurdles, particularly due to high production costs associated with magnetocaloric materials and their reliance on rare-earth elements. These factors have hindered price competitiveness and mass production capabilities. However, the KIMS research team synthesized various materials, including lanthanum (La)-based and manganese (Mn)-based alloys, and successfully fabricated sheet and wire specimens using advanced techniques such as hot rolling and cold drawing.
Breakthrough in Manufacturing Techniques
During the fabrication process, the team produced large-area La-based thin sheets measuring 0.5 mm in thickness and fine wires made from gadolinium (Gd) with a diameter of 1.0 mm. These achievements demonstrate world-class performance at the component level. Additionally, the researchers improved the cooling effectiveness of non-rare-earth Mn-based materials by controlling thermal hysteresis and adjusting magnetic anisotropy.
One of the pivotal developments in this research is the introduction of Korea’s first measurement system designed to monitor adiabatic temperature changes directly in magnetic cooling materials and components. This system allows for the quantitative verification of property differences and supports the development of optimized materials and modules for various cooling applications.
As global regulations surrounding refrigerants tighten, notably under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the urgency for eco-friendly cooling solutions has intensified. The amendment mandates that the production and use of major gas refrigerants, including HFCs, HCFCs, and R22, will be banned after 2030. Furthermore, the use of disposable refrigerant containers will be strictly prohibited.
A Future of Eco-Friendly Cooling Solutions
Research in countries like Germany has shown magnetic cooling systems that outperform traditional refrigeration methods in terms of efficiency. This trend highlights the potential for magnetic refrigeration technology to emerge as a leading solution in the global market. In alignment with international decarbonization policies, the development of sustainable cooling technologies is becoming increasingly essential.
The KIMS research team is committed to enhancing its competitiveness in magnetic cooling through impactful publications and patents. They have achieved notable results in component manufacturing and non-rare-earth magnetic refrigerant materials. Dr. Jong-Woo Kim stated, “Once commercialized, this technology will overcome the limitations of conventional gas-based cooling systems and provide an eco-friendly and stable cooling solution.” Dr. Da-Seul Shin added, “Through this creative convergence research project, we aim to further advance magnetocaloric technology and establish a domestic industrial infrastructure for it, while also expanding into the global market.”
This research, funded by the Basic Research Program of KIMS and the Creative Convergence Research Program of the National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST), was published in the academic journal Rare Metals in May 2025, with Ph.D. candidate Sun-Young Yang as the first author. The team has also registered a domestic patent related to the magnetic cooling evaluation system and has filed a corresponding application in the United States.
KIMS, a non-profit institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, specializes in comprehensive materials technology and has been vital in advancing the nation’s industrial capabilities through research and development.
