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

国家自然科学基金会项目名称：陈刚项目单位：马萨诸塞州理工学院项目编号：0506830 NIRT：铋基纳米线中热电传输和能量转换的综合研究 该提案是响应纳米科学与工程倡议，NSF 04-043，类别NIRT。 本研究的目的是了解Bi和BiSb合金纳米线的热电能量转换机制，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之间直接转换的良好候选者。 所提出的方法是系统地研究大量的Bi和BiSb合金纳米线的热电输运和能量转换，使用一个集成的平台，结合透射电子显微镜和扫描隧道显微镜探针与快速热电性能测量。 该平台能够将输运性质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的同时输运的理论模型将与实验研究同时发展。 拟议的研究重点是利用纳米技术对环境友好的固态能源转换（废热回收，无制冷剂空调和制冷）的好处，这是一个具有重大国家和国际意义的领域。 目前，这些固态能量转换器件的应用受到限制，因为材料不够高效。 通过拟议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。 该项目通过多项举措整合教育和研究：一本关于纳米结构热电的书正在由几个小组成员共同撰写，新的研究成果将被纳入该书，本科生和高中生将被招募参加特别针对妇女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式课件计划，并将为当地K-12学生举行年度开放日。 跨学科教育和外展计划直接有助于学生培训，并提高公众对纳米技术及其对全球未来能源需求的影响的了解。

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.