World’s first high-efficiency Peltier cooling technology with nano-engineered thin-film thermoelectrics is recognized for both innovation and practicality
Samsung Electronics today announced its next-generation Peltier cooling technology, developed jointly with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), has been named one of the winners of the 2025 R&D 100 Awards.
Established in 1963, the R&D 100 Awards are sponsored by R&D World Magazine and recognize the world’s 100 most innovative technologies each year. They are often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Engineering” and “The Oscars of Innovation.”
Researchers from Samsung Research’s Life Solution Team and APL applied nano-engineering techniques to improve the efficiency of Peltier devices by nearly 75% through the use of new thin-film semiconductor materials. Based on this achievement, the team successfully developed and demonstrated a high-efficiency Peltier refrigerator that achieves higher efficiency than traditional vapor compression refrigerators. The result was also published in the prestigious multidisciplinary journal Nature Communications in May 2025.
“Winning the R&D 100 Awards is a testament to the global recognition of our technology for both innovation and practical use,” said Joonhyun Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of the Life Solution Team at Samsung Research. “This achievement strengthens Samsung’s position as a leader in next-generation cooling solutions, and we will continue to pioneer technologies that can create new value for industries and society.”
Peltier cooling is a sustainable, refrigerant-free solid-state cooling technology that enables fast and precise temperature control. Beyond refrigerators, it has the potential to be applied across diverse industries including semiconductors, medical devices, automotive electronics and data centers.
Samsung Electronics will continue to pursue innovative research to develop future-leading technologies that bring a meaningful impact to society.
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland is a not-for-profit university affiliated research center (UARC) that solves complex research, engineering and analytical problems that present critical challenges to our nation. Our scientists, engineers and analysts serve as trusted advisers and technical experts to the government, ensuring the reliability of complex technologies that safeguard our nation’s security and advance the frontiers of space. We also maintain independent research and development programs that pioneer and explore emerging technologies and concepts to address future national priorities.