Granular Nanocomposites for Improved Thermoelectric Performance: Theory and Experiment

奖项摘要0932526伍兹废热可以直接转换为电能，通过使用各种热电材料。仍然需要开发预测模型，该预测模型可以用作开发纳米结构体热电材料的设计工具，该纳米结构体热电材料可以快速地并且潜在地廉价地形成。智力优势：双组分颗粒纳米复合材料将从分析和实验的角度进行研究。微观模型将考虑材料的电子结构特性，以及颗粒特性，如界面势垒和尺寸。特别重要的将是由于掺杂的各个组件，从晶粒界面的散射的电子结构的变化之间的相互作用。实验研究将涉及这些材料的合成和表征。测量将作为所提出的理论的基准，也将指导研究。待研究的系统是两相颗粒纳米复合材料，例如碲化铅/碲化铕、碲化铅/碲化铋、碲化铅/金属和碲化铋/金属。更广泛的影响：开发廉价、高效的热电材料是实现大规模余热转化为高品位电能的关键。其他潜在的惠益包括，例如，取代汽车中的压缩式空调机，从而有可能大幅度减少泄漏和排放到大气中的有害制冷剂。

AWARD ABSTRACT0932526WoodsWaste heat can be directly converted to electrical energy through use of various thermoelectric materials. A need persists to develop predictive models that can be utilized as design tools for development of nanostructured bulk thermoelectric materials, which can be formed quickly and, potentially, inexpensively. Intellectual Merit: Two-component granular nanocomposites will be investigated from analytical as well as experimental perspectives. A microscopic model will take into account the electronic structure properties of the materials, as well as granular characteristics such as the interface barrier and size. Of particular importance will be the interplay between electronic structure changes due to doping of the individual components, and the scattering from the grain interfaces. The experimental research will involve synthesis and characterization of these materials. Measurements will serve as benchmarks for the proposed theory, and will also guide the research. The systems to be investigated are two-phase granular nanocomposites such as lead telluride/europium telluride, lead telluride/bismuth telluride, lead telluride/metal, and bismuth telluride/metal. Broader Impact: Development of inexpensive, highly efficient thermoelectric materials is a key to realize large scale conversion of waste heat to high grade electrical energy. Other potential benefits include, for example, displacement of compression air conditioners in automobiles, possibly leading to substantial reductions in leakage and emissions of harmful refrigerants into the atmosphere.