Materials World Network: US-China Collaborative Partnership on Eco-Friendly High Performance Mg2(Si,Sn)-Based Thermoelectric Nanocomposite Materials

开发生态友好型高性能热电纳米复合材料是实现热电大规模应用的关键。Mg2（Si,Sn）化合物不仅具有良好的热电性能，而且含有无毒且丰富的元素，具有很高的化学和热稳定性。该奖项支持高级参与者和克莱姆森大学（克莱姆森，SC）和浙江大学（杭州，中国）的学生就Mg2（Si,Sn）纳米复合材料的热电性能进行研究讨论。从这些研究讨论中产生的结果有望为设计热电有利的微结构和热电性能优化提供指导。这一活动的更广泛影响与我们未来的整体能源需求非常相关，因为美国目前负责全球四分之一的能源。中国的能源使用情况如何？随着全国人民生活水平的提高，美国的能源需求也在迅速增长。参与这项活动的学生将更加了解全球的能源需求。

The development of eco-friendly high performance thermoelectric nanocomposite material is the key for large-scale applications of thermoelectricity. The Mg2(Si,Sn) compounds not only exhibit good thermoelectric properties but also comprise of non-toxic and abundantly available elements with high chemical and thermal stability. This award supports travel for research discussions between senior participants and students at Clemson University (Clemson, SC) and Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, China) on the thermoelectric properties of Mg2(Si,Sn) nanocomposites. The results emanating from these research discussions are expected to provide guidance for developing collaborative research efforts for designing thermoelectrically favored microstructures and for thermoelectric properties optimization.The broader impact of this activity is very pertinent to our overall energy needs in the future, as the US currently is responsible for one fourth of the world?s energy usage and China?s energy demands are growing rapidly as the standard of living is increasing throughout the country. The students participating in this activity will become more aware of global energy needs.