Nanoscale Energy Applications
In the theme of nanoscale energy applications, we're pioneering approaches that offer fresh perspectives beyond traditional paradigms. We have introduced single-material unipolar thermoelectricity, where by merely tweaking geometric properties, we can harness thermoelectric voltage from identical materials under a temperature gradient. Our exploration of various quantum effects offers avenues for superior nanoscale thermoelectric devices and potential breakthroughs in solar cells and quantum battery technologies.
Single material unipolar thermoelectricity
Thermoelectric junctions are most often made of dissimilar materials such as having different dominant charge carriers or doping concentrations. Distinctively from the conventional approaches, by just varying their geometric properties, it is also possible to get a thermoelectric voltage from the junction of the same materials having the same dominant charge carriers and doping concentrations under a temperature gradient. This type of thermoelectricity is called single-material unipolar thermoelectric. It opens up novel directions to increase the efficiency of thermoelectric devices. Examples of such junctions are: thermosize, thermoshape, thermodefect. Other novel types of these junctions are under active research.
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J. Phys.: Condens. Matter, 34, 195304, (2022)
J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys, 53, 375501, (2020)
J. Appl. Phys., 126, 104302, (2019)
Featured videos:
Single-material unipolar thermoelectrics at nanoscale (YouTube)
Quantum enhancement in energy harvesting
Quantum confinement effects can cause enhancement in Seebeck coefficient and make it possible to design better thermoelectric devices for energy harvesting at nanoscale. We developed novel strategies to increase the efficiency of thermoelectric devices. This also holds potential for advancements in solar cells and quantum battery technologies.
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