Abstract: 

The current conventional refrigerators use Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have an extremely high impact on the global warming potential. Magnetic refrigerators are about 30% higher efficiency with zero effect on global warming potential and no threat to ozone depletion. Ferromagnetic Gadolinium (Gd) has the highest magnetocaloric effect with maximum relative cooling power at room temperature, but very expensive rare earth elements. In this seminar, I am presenting our effort in finding alternatives transition metal based magnetic cooling materials that are much cheaper than Gd with high relative cooling power. I will present how we can enhance the magnetic properties of polycrystalline   along with future planes to improve on the magnetic cooling materials.

Biography: 

The growing need for clean and reliable energy has pushed researchers to find better ways to store it efficiently. This seminar explores innovative materials and eco-friendly strategies for developing sustainable and high-performance energy storage systems. It highlights how advanced materials, such as Core Shells, MXenes, and bio-waste-derived carbons, can improve energy and power densities while reducing environmental impact. By using smart synthesis methods and green approaches, these materials pave the way for future energy devices that are both powerful and sustainable. The seminar highlights how innovation in materials science can drive the development of sustainable, high-performance energy storage technologies essential for a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

Ahmar Ali, born and raised in Islamabad, Pakistan, graduated from the International Islamic University Islamabad with a bachelor’s degree in physics in 2021 (Gold Medalist). Ahmar was a visiting instructor at IQRA College of Technology, IIUI (2021-2022). Mr. Ahmar joined KFUPM in 2022 as a Master student in the Physics department and finished his MS in 2024 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. M. A. Gondal. He published several articles from his thesis work, which focused on perovskite oxide–based supercapacitors. Currently, Ahmar is a PhD student in the Physics department, KFUPM. Additionally, Ahmar did internships at the Center for Advanced Electronics and Photovoltaic Engineering (CAEPE), International Islamic University Islamabad, and the National Center of Physics (NCP), Islamabad. His research experience and future research interests are energy storage materials/devices, such as Supercapacitors and batteries.