Structural Optimization of Transport Properties in Artificial Interfacial Solids for High ZT Thermoelectrics
Abstract
Approved for Public Release: Developing effective means for solid-state based conversion of thermal energy and especially low-quality heat energy to electricity is of interest to the Navy, as outlined in 2019 Naval Power and Energy Systems Technology DevelopmentRoadmap. The main objective of this project is to gain comprehensive understanding of and control over the thermoelectric properties of bulk solid monolithic materials fabricated from purposefully engineered nanoparticle blocks, known under the term of ArtificialInterfacial Solids (AIS). Such nanocomposites are expected to possess spatially decoupled thermal and electronic transport properties # inherited from the chemical identities of their component materials # thus alleviating the shortcomings of #traditional# thermoelectric compounds as reflected in improved efficiency for interconversion of thermal and electric energy. Experimental and modeling/ computational activities related to this project encompass (a) Elucidation of AIS microstructure and morphology by electron microscopy; (b) Development and refinement of the already established capabilities for creating mesoscale-level structural representations of AIS and modeling of their thermoelectric properties, including the ZT(T) figure of merit; (c) Development of predictive ab initio models describing the thermoelectric transport properties at grain boundaries and interfaces; (d) Testing and validation of the multiscale modeling framework by comparison with experimental data obtained for prototypical #traditional# and AIS-based thermoelectrics; and (e) Evaluation of predictive capabilities of the framework as applied to optimization of the AIS structure for thermoelectric performance, providing recommendations for the synthesis and fabrication of the next generation of these materials. Specifically,the project aims to produce insights connecting thermoelectric transport properties (with an emphasis on interfacial areas) and resulting performance with geometrical parameters, such as (i) size, shape and orientation of the AIS nanoconstituents, (ii) characteristics and morphology of the interfacial regions connecting them, and (iii) other relevant materials-dependent parameters. Novel AIS-based thermoelectric materials produced by this project could be employed for thermal energy recovery on the future naval platforms,as well as improve the efficiency of solid-state thermoelectric generators (which are inherently quiet and vibration free power sources) utilized in a variety of naval applications, e.g., portable silent watch systems, autonomous sensor arrays and unmanned underwater vehicles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 11, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312773
Entities
People
- Serge M. Nakhmanson
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Connecticut