Suitable nanoporous materials and refrigerants for a force-induced heat pump applicable to mesoporous materials

While a new-class of heat pumps based on mechanically flexible nanoporous materials holds great potential for utilizing sustainable refrigerants with considerably high coefficient of performance (COP), reducing their system volume remains a challenge. In this study, we explore the potential of this innovative type of heat pump in terms of both COP and system volume. To broaden the scope of material exploration, we have devised a new thermodynamic heat pump system applicable to soft mesoporous materials, in addition to the conventional system that is suitable only for flexible microporous materials. By comparing various nanoporous materials and refrigerants, several key factors have been identified. Our systematic investigation reveals that the combination of mechanically softer nanoporous materials with ammonia refrigerants can achieve both high COP and reduced system volume.