Karl Gschneidner, a distinguished professor in materials science and engineering, was one of the honored inventors. His invention, Lanthanide Al-Ni Base Ericsson Cycle Magnetic Refrigerants, received a patent this year. The invention is used to liquefy hydrogen gas at about 20 degrees Kelvin. By first applying a magnetic field, the lanthanide Al-Ni alloy heats up. The device could have varying uses within industry.
Oil refineries many times have an excess of hydrogen but usually burn it.
We could put the magnetic refrigerator right by the refinery, liquefy the excess hydrogen and store it. Gschneidner said he doesn't normally go looking for inventions during his research. Gschneidner spends most of his time conducting research. He taught in the materials science and engineering department until two years ago, when he decided to devote his time to research. The majority of the honored faculty, however, are actively teaching, Holger said.