A simple way to make nanostructured thermoelectric materials

预计到2050年，全球对能源的需求将达到28TW。要解决能源需求的挑战，需要采用新的方法来开发“清洁”能源，同时提高能源效率。该项目与能源材料竞赛主题密切相关，旨在研究使用低成本工艺生产纳米结构热电涂层的可行性。这种简单的方法是用液体原料代替传统热喷涂中的金属粉末。这种简单的“一步法”将在模块几何方面提供高度的灵活性，以克服大小、形状和材料的限制。如果成功，纳米材料制造技术有望使英国在绿色技术创新竞赛中领先。

The world demand for energy is expected to reach 28 TW by the year 2050. To address the energy-need challenge requires novel approaches to developing ‘clean’ energy sources and at the same time,increasing energy efficiency. Closely aligned with the competition theme in Material for Energy, the project is to look at the feasibility of producing nanostructured thermoelectric coatings using low cost processes. This simple approach is to use liquid feedstock to replace metal powder in conventional thermal spraying. This simple “one-step” approach will give high flexibility in terms of module geometry to overcome the restrictions in size, shape and materials. If successful, the technology for nanomaterial fabrication is expected to give UK a lead in the race of green technology innovation.