NIRT: Integrated Study of Thermoelectric Transport and Energy Conversion in Bismuth-Based Nanowires

项目名称：陈刚单位：麻省理工学院项目编号：0506830NIRT：铋基纳米线热电输运与能量转换的综合研究该提案是在纳米尺度科学与工程计划（NSF 04-043，类别NIRT）的响应下收到的。本研究的目的是了解铋和铋合金纳米线中热电能量转换的机制，并推进表征这些纳米线的实验技术。这些纳米线是热能和电能直接转换的理想选择。本文提出的方法是利用透射电子显微镜和扫描隧道显微镜探针结合快速热电性能测量的集成平台，系统地研究大量Bi和BiSb合金纳米线中的热电输运和能量转换。该平台能够将输运特性与纳米线的详细微观结构和局部电子结构相关联。纳米线中电子和声子同步输运的理论模型将与实验研究同步发展。本研究的重点是利用纳米技术在环境友好型固态能源转换（废热回收、无制冷剂空调和制冷）方面的优势，这是一个具有重要国内和国际意义的领域。目前，由于材料效率不够，这些固态能量转换器件的应用受到限制。通过提议的项目获得的基本理解可以导致合成高效固态能量转换材料的新方法。该项目通过以下几项举措将教育和研究结合起来：一本关于纳米结构热电学的书正在由几个团队成员共同撰写，新的研究成果将被纳入书中，本科生和高中生将被招募参加特别针对女性和少数民族学生的研究，研究成果也将通过提供的课程被纳入麻省理工学院的开放课程软件计划，并每年向当地K-12学生开放。跨学科的教育和推广计划直接有助于学生的培训和提高公众对纳米技术及其对全球未来能源需求的影响的理解。

National Science FoundationABSTRACTPI name: Gang ChenInstitution: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyProposal Number: 0506830NIRT: Integrated Study of Thermoelectric Transport and Energy Conversion in Bismuth Based Nanowires This proposal was received in response to the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Initiative, NSF 04-043, category NIRT. The objective of this research is to understand the mechanisms of thermoelectric energy conversion in Bi and BiSb alloy nanowires and to advance the experimental techniques for characterizing these nanowires. These nanowires are good candidates for direct conversion between thermal and electrical energy. The proposed approach is to systematically study thermoelectric transport and energy conversion in a large number of Bi and BiSb alloy nanowires using an integrated platform that combines transmission electron microscope and scanning tunneling microscope probe with fast thermoelectric property measurements. This platform enables the correlation of transport properties with the detailed microstructure and local electronic structure of the nanowire. Theoretical models for concurrent electron and phonon transport in nanowires will be developed concurrently to the experimental studies. The proposed research focuses on exploiting the benefits of nanotechnology for environmentally-friendly solid-state energy conversion (waste heat recovery, refrigerant-free air-conditioning and refrigeration), an area that is of great national and international significance. Currently, the applications of these solid-state energy conversion devices are limited because materials are not efficient enough. Fundamental understandings gained through the proposed project can lead to new ways to synthesize efficient solid-state energy conversion materials. The project integrates education and research through several initiatives: a book on nanostructured thermoelectrics is being co-authored by several team members and new research results will be incorporated into the book, undergraduate and high school students will be recruited to participate in research particularly targeting women and minority students, research results will also be incorporated into the MIT open course-ware program through courses offered, and an annual open house to local K-12 students will be held. The interdisciplinary educational and outreach programs contribute directly to the students training and increased public understanding of nanotechnology and its bearing on future energy needs worldwide.