Breakthrough Nanothin Thermoelectric Films Deliver 75% Efficiency Improvement, Paving the Way for a Sustainable Cooling Future
In August 2025, Samsung Electronics and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) were honored with the prestigious R&D 100 Award for their jointly developed next-generation Peltier cooling technology. Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Engineering,” the R&D 100 Awards have recognized the world’s most innovative technologies since their establishment in 1963.
The award-winning technology applies nanotechnology to conventional Peltier devices, incorporating advanced thin-film semiconductor materials that achieve a remarkable 75% increase in efficiency. This breakthrough was published in Nature Communications in May 2025, further underscoring its academic and scientific significance. Tests have also demonstrated that cooling systems built with this technology surpass the efficiency of traditional vapor-compression refrigerators.
Joonhyun Lee, Vice President at Samsung Research, stated:
“This award is a testament to the global recognition of both the innovation and practicality of our technology. We will continue to advance cooling solutions that create meaningful value for society.”
Peltier cooling is a solid-state, refrigerant-free technology that enables precise temperature control while reducing environmental impact. Its potential applications extend far beyond household refrigerators, spanning semiconductor manufacturing, medical devices, automotive electronics, and data centers. If widely adopted, this technology could significantly improve energy efficiency while lowering environmental footprints worldwide.
Key Terms
Peltier Cooling
A cooling method that uses semiconductor devices to transfer heat: one side becomes cooler while the other heats up when an electric current is applied. Unlike traditional systems, it requires no refrigerant, reducing environmental impact.
R&D 100 Awards
An international competition organized by R&D World Magazine that annually recognizes 100 of the most innovative technologies. Often dubbed the “Academy Awards of Innovation.”
Nanothin Semiconductor Films
Semiconductors engineered with atomically controlled thin-film structures, dramatically boosting thermoelectric conversion efficiency. They form the core of next-generation cooling technologies.
