Solid State Materials Chemistry

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The main thrust of my research is into materials for the thermoelectric power generation, a unique technique to generate electricity from, e.g., waste heat. Thermoelectric power generation is foreseen to play an increasing role in the near future, considering the pressing need for alternative energies due to declining natural resources. Increasing the efficiency of thermoelectric materials would further accelerate this development, which may be achieved discovering new materials as well as by improving established materials via nanostructuring or band structure engineering, for example.****  One focus is on our ongoing efforts to enhance the thermoelectric properties of AyMo3Sb7xTex and isostructural materials by substitution chemistry and nanostructuring, which were discovered and characterized in our group supported by previous NSERC Discovery Grants. A second focus is on a new class of thermoelectrics based on copper chalcogenides, discovered during the tenure of my current NSERC Discovery Grant. This basically unexplored class exhibits exceptional promise, as evident from the thermoelectric performance of the Cu2Se, if the stability can be improved, which will be the objective of this research proposed here. Third, we will pursue new ideas in the area of thermoelectric thallium tellurides, after our recent breakthrough in this area stemming from the current Discovery Grant. Fourth, we will commence studies into transverse thermoelectrics, a novel concept relying on the p- and n-type carriers moving orthogonal to each other. This basic, exploratory research will constitute a completely new focus of my Discovery Grant. ****  Overall this will contribute to the education and training of eight graduate students, as well as several undergraduate students. These HQP will receive an extensive practical and theoretical background in general materials chemistry focusing on energy conversion/generation, matters of vital interest to Canada.**