Advanced magnetocaloric materials: What does the future hold?

Recent achievements in the design of robust near room temperature magnetic cooling devices signify paradigm shift in refrigeration, liquefaction and freezing technologies, and call for a much broader base of advanced magnetocaloric materials to support quick materialization of this environmentally friendly, energy efficient technology in a variety of markets. The latest material discoveries are reviewed and current trends in engineering of advanced magnetocaloric compounds have been identified. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.