Bibliometric Analysis of R-290 Refrigerant Research (2004 – 2025) : insight from a PAGER Framework

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70917/jcc-2026-032

Keywords:

R-290, Bibliometric analysis, natural refrigerants, PAGER framework, VOSviewer, sustainable refrigeration

Abstract

Growing global concern over climate change and environmental sustainability has increased research interest in environmentally friendly refrigerants, particularly propane (R-290), a low-GWP natural refrigerant. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of R-290 research published between 2004 and 2025, based on data extracted from the Scopus database. The PAGER framework (Problem, Actors, Governance, Evidence, and Recommendations) is employed to synthesize insights derived from bibliometric mapping and analysis. The study examines publication trends, country and institutional contributions, author collaboration networks, and keyword co-occurrence using VOSviewer. The results indicate a substantial increase in publications after 2015, with significant contributions from China, India, and Indonesia. Keyword analysis identifies major research themes, including energy efficiency, flammability, natural refrigerants, life cycle assessment, and air conditioning applications. Despite the growing body of literature, research gaps remain in system-level integration, safety implementation, and real-time performance evaluation. This study provides strategic directions for future research to support the broader and safer adoption of R-290 in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Author Biographies

  • Berkah Fajar Tamtomo Kiono, Department of Mechanical Engineering Universitas Diponegoro Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

    Berkah Fajar Tamtomo Kiono is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Diponegoro University, Indonesia, currently holding the position of Associate Professor. His research interests include energy systems, climate change mitigation technologies, and sustainable engineering. He is actively involved in academic publications, collaborative research, and national policy consultation on renewable energy and decarbonization strategies.

  • Muchammad M, Department of Mechanical Engineering Universitas Diponegoro Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

    Muchammad is a professor at Department of Mechanical Engineering, Diponegoro University, Faculty of Engineering, Semarang, Indonesia. His research interests are energy conversion and lubrication.

  • M.S.K. Tony Suryo Utomo, Department of Mechanical Engineering Universitas Diponegoro Semarang 50275, Central Java, Indonesia

    Tony Suryo Utomo is a faculty member in the Departement of Mechanical Engineering at Diponegoro University, Indonesia, currently holding the position Associate Professor. His research Interests are energy conversion, renewable energy and Computational Fluid Dynamics

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2026-10-30

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Vol. 12 No. 3 (2026)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Berkah Fajar Tamtomo Kiono, Muchammad M, M.S.K. Tony Suryo Utomo (Author)

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Bibliometric Analysis of R-290 Refrigerant Research (2004 – 2025) : insight from a PAGER Framework. (2026). Journal of Climate Change, 12(3), 21. https://doi.org/10.70917/jcc-2026-032