News
Fri, 02/20/2026
Atmospheric Barriers: New Study Challenges Link Between Common Refrigerants and the Formation of TFA
A new EARTH study finds no evidence that the refrigerant HFC‑134a forms TFA under real atmospheric conditions. Simulations show proposed pathways are not energetically feasible, suggesting HFC‑134a is unlikely to be a direct source of TFA. Researchers will continue exploring other possible pathways.
Wed, 12/17/2025
WISE Researcher Advances Reliable Process Design for Ionic-Liquid-Based Refrigerant Separation
A new study helps engineers better understand how advanced materials called ionic liquids behave at high temperatures—knowledge that supports more efficient, reliable, and sustainable cooling technologies.
Mon, 12/08/2025
EARTH Researchers Publish New Study on Low-GWP Refrigerants to Advance Sustainable Cooling
EARTH researchers published a new study evaluating low-GWP refrigerants, specifically HFC-32/HFO-1234yf mixtures, as alternatives to R-410A. Their modeling shows that blends such as R-454B and pure HFC-32 can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower operating costs. The work supports the cooling industry’s transition toward cleaner, next-generation refrigerants.
Fri, 11/21/2025
EARTH: A New Way to View the Blue Sky
When Irish physicist John Tyndall was conducting research on why the sky is blue, he explored the notion with awe, for the pure sake of the idea. As he performed his experiments at The Royal Institution in London, in 1869, he likely did not foresee that his work would inspire generations of scientists and entrepreneurs who would adopt the term “blue sky” to explain the tenets of basic research.
Thu, 10/30/2025
KU Chemical Engineering PhD Candidate Featured on Journal Cover for Innovative Refrigerant Research
Kevin Turner, a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at the University of Kansas, was featured on the cover of Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research for his collaborative study on refrigerant flammability limits conducted with Hudson Technologies. His work advances safer and more sustainable cooling solutions.
Thu, 10/16/2025
Industry Descends on EARTH
EARTH, an Engineering Research Center funded by the National Science Foundation and corporate investment, is hosting on October 20 an Industry Forum at the University of Kansas. Attendees will discuss the academic research, market potential, and rise of AI that are fueling advances in HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration).
Wed, 10/08/2025
KU engineering professor wins Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists
Elaina Sutley, associate professor of civil, environmental & architectural engineering and KU Engineering associate dean for impact & belonging, is the laureate of the 2025 Blavatnik National Award for Young Scientists in the Physical Sciences and Engineering category. She is KU’s first-ever laureate.
Fri, 09/19/2025
A new use for old refrigerants
Chemicals in air conditioners are thousands of times more dangerous for the environment than tailpipe emissions from cars. Researchers at Lehigh University are working to change that.
David Vicic, Howard S. Bunn Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Lehigh University, recently announced a breakthrough in chemical research: His team used the metal iridium to functionalize hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants – the ubiquitous chemicals that cool refrigerators, medicines, homes, and office buildin
Sun, 09/07/2025
Dr. Mark Shiflett Reaches 11,000 Career Citations
Dr. Mark Shiflett, Foundation Distinguished Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas reaches a career milestone of 11,000 citations.
Thu, 09/04/2025
EARTH Director Presents Plenary Lecture at International Fluorine Chemistry Symposium
Dr. Mark Shiflett, Director of the newly funded National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center "Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH)", delivered an invited Plenary Lecture at the 21st European Symposium on Fluorine Chemistry (ESFC-21) in Lisbon, presenting the vision and mission of the NSF-funded EARTH ERC.
Tue, 08/19/2025
6 KU innovations selected for Rock Chalk Ready commercialization program
The University of Kansas Center for Technology Commercialization (KUCTC) has selected six promising research projects for its inaugural Rock Chalk Ready program, a universitywide initiative designed to mature early-stage innovations and position them for commercialization success.
Mon, 08/18/2025
UMD Provides "Cool" Research Experience for Two School Teachers
As a high school technology teacher, Karen Bogoski has coached over a thousand students through the challenges of engineering projects, but this summer, she was the one tackling a project, and her coaches were University of Maryland (UMD) engineering students.
She worked at UMD’s College Park campus through four weeks of hot and steamy weather, while many other teachers were enjoying time off. But the muggy days only helped motivate her. Guided by a team of students from UMD's A. James Clar