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New low-cost thermoelectric material works at room temperature

Researchers have discovered a new thermoelectric material that works efficiently at room temperature, requiring less expensive materials like magnesium. The material's production could close the performance gap with traditional bismuth-tellurium-based alloys, expanding the use of thermoelectric modules for cooling.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Researchers report new understanding of thermoelectric materials

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a model to explain asymmetrical thermoelectric performance, enabling the prediction of promising new materials for converting waste heat to power. The discovery could lead to more efficient thermoelectric devices and potentially clean energy from waste heat.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 21, 2019

WVU researchers thirsty for reducing fresh water use by power plants

Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a unique solution to reduce the water used by thermoelectric power plants. By combining blowdown water with produced water from Marcellus gas wells, they can create clean enough water for reuse. This process also produces two valuable products: chlorine and 10-pound brine.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateJun 10, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Novel thermoelectric nanoantenna design for use in solar energy harvesting

The new bimetalic nanoantenna design generates three times more thermoelectric voltage and is 1.3 times more efficient than classic dipole nanoantennas for solar energy harvesting. This innovation has potential applications in waste heat energy harvesting, sensing, and other fields.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Nanophotonics·DateMay 3, 2019

Transforming waste heat into clean energy

Scientists have been exploring new materials to harness thermoelectric power from waste heat, with researchers at the University of Texas using supercomputers to optimize material configurations. The team has made promising initial findings, showing that certain cobalt oxides can convert heat into electricity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateMay 1, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

How to freeze heat conduction

Physicists have discovered a new effect, known as Kondo-like phonon scattering, which explains the low thermal conductivity of certain materials. This discovery paves the way for creating excellent thermal insulators that conduct electricity, enabling the conversion of waste heat into electrical energy.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2019

New thermoelectric material delivers record performance

Researchers have discovered a new class of half-Heusler thermoelectric compounds with a record high figure of merit, converting heat to electricity efficiently. The compound composed of tantalum, iron, and antimony demonstrated promising thermoelectric performance without using expensive elements.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 17, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

UH Physicist Zhifeng Ren receives Humboldt Prize

Physicist Zhifeng Ren, director of the Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston, has received a research award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to collaborate with German researchers. He will focus on new fabrication techniques and thermoelectric materials to improve clean energy conversion.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateNov 13, 2018

FEFU young scientists are developing new materials for laser equipment

The researchers are developing new materials based on 'laser ceramic - thermoelectric' heterostructures to improve the performance characteristics of final materials in several ways. They aim to create a structure where SrTiO3 and TiO2 grains are located in a 'checkerboard' order throughout all the volume of the material.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·DateSep 13, 2018

Breaking down the Wiedemann-Franz law

Researchers at ETH Zurich explore the coupling between heat and particle currents in a gas of strongly interacting fermionic atoms. They found an order of magnitude below predictions of the Wiedemann-Franz law, indicating separation of mechanisms responsible for particle and heat currents.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

In a Weyl thermopile

Physicists at the University of Tokyo have discovered a new method to generate electricity in special materials called Weyl magnets, exploiting temperature gradients. This could lead to the creation of low-power, low-maintenance electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 30, 2018

Observation of anisotropic magneto-Peltier effect

Researchers at NIMS and Tohoku University observed an anisotropic magneto-Peltier effect, a phenomenon that manipulates the temperature of magnetic materials through simple redirection of charge current. This discovery has the potential to develop thermal management technologies for energy-efficient electronic devices.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2018

Russian physicists supervised the formation of higher manganese silicide films

Researchers from Siberian Federal University and Kirensky Institute of Physics have developed an approach for the controlled synthesis of semiconducting higher manganese silicide thin films. The team successfully targeted the formation of two phases, Mn4Si7 and Mn17Si30, with high charge carrier mobility.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateMay 25, 2018

Turning up the heat on thermoelectrics

MIT physicists have found a way to boost thermoelectricity's potential, with a theoretical method that could produce five times more efficient materials and potentially double the amount of energy generated. The new approach uses topological semimetals under strong magnetic fields, enabling electrons and holes to move in opposite direc...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 25, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Exploring the thermoelectric properties of tin selenide nanostructures

The study explores the thermoelectric properties of nanometer-thick tin selenide crafted in thin films of connected 'nanoflakes', achieving a significant power factor improvement through doping with silver. This material has potential for miniaturized, environmentally friendly, low-cost thermoelectric and cooling devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 27, 2018

Hidden talents: Converting heat into electricity with pencil and paper

Scientists have discovered a simple method to harness the thermoelectric effect by combining a graphite pencil with a conductive coating on paper. The resulting voltage is comparable to expensive nanocomposites, offering potential applications in flexible electronics and wearable devices.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 16, 2018

Reusing waste energy with 2-D electron gas

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel approach to improve thermoelectric material performance by harnessing high mobility two-dimensional electron gas. This enables efficient heat-to-electricity conversion, overcoming current limitations in industrial applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 20, 2017

NREL research yields significant thermoelectric performance

The research demonstrates significant potential for semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes as primary material for efficient thermoelectric generators. The discovery enables the fabrication of devices from a single material, simplifying production and improving performance.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 31, 2017

Novel circuit design boosts wearable thermoelectric generators

The devices can be cut to the size needed for specific applications due to their symmetrical fractal wiring patterns. The modular generators could be inkjet printed on flexible substrates like fabric and manufactured using inexpensive roll-to-roll techniques.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 8, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

UNIST researchers develop wearable solar thermoelectric generator

The device uses a temperature difference between the hot and cold sides to generate electricity, with a high temperature difference of 20.9 °C, much higher than conventional wearable thermoelectric generators driven by body heat.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateSep 25, 2017

New approach boosts performance in thermoelectric materials

Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered a new mechanism to boost performance in thermoelectric materials by increasing carrier mobility, enabling more efficient electricity generation from waste heat. The work expands the potential of magnesium-antimony materials for use in thermoelectric devices.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Nanostructures taste the rainbow

Researchers created nanostructures with varying widths that absorb different wavelengths of light, generating an electric current corresponding to the absorbed wavelength. The new detectors operate faster and detect a wider range of electromagnetic spectrum than traditional devices.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 28, 2017

New design improves performance of flexible wearable electronics

Researchers have designed a flexible thermoelectric energy harvester that rivals rigid devices, using liquid metal interconnects for low resistance and self-healing capabilities. The technology has the potential to power wearable electronics without batteries.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Energy·DateJun 22, 2017

Special journal issue showcases Aalto University's materials research

Researchers investigated electronic materials for micro-electronics, opto-electronics and quantum technologies, developing flexible thermoelectric zinc oxide thin films on cotton textiles. Aalto University's expertise in cutting-edge materials science is highlighted, with publications cited more often than the world average.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateJun 14, 2017

One-dimensional crystals for low-temperature thermoelectric cooling

Nagoya University researchers have created whisker-like crystals composed of tantalum, silicon, and tellurium, which produce high thermoelectric powers over a wide temperature range. The crystals' unique one-dimensional electronic structures enable low electrical resistivity and improved cooling performance.

SourceNagoya University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 24, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Exploring the conversion of heat to electricity in single molecules

Researchers at Osaka University investigated the geometry of single molecule-electrode contacts on thermoelectric behavior. They found that the largest thermoelectric effect was observed for structures containing a stretched thiol linkage, which shifts the energy level to a more favorable position.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 9, 2017

UH Physicist launches new journal for materials science

A new academic journal, Materials Today Physics, launched by UH physicist Zhifeng Ren will focus on thermoelectric and photovoltaic materials. The journal aims to speed the dissemination of crucial information about materials from discovery to application.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 15, 2017

One step closer to reality: Devices that convert heat into electricity

A team of researchers at Ohio State University has developed a device that converts waste heat into electricity, producing a voltage output 10 times higher than previous results. The innovation uses a composite material of nickel and platinum to amplify the voltage output through magnetism.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 2017

UNIST engineers thermoelectric material in paintable liquid form

Researchers at UNIST have created a new type of high-performance thermoelectric material that can be directly painted onto any surface. This innovation enables the efficient collection of heat energy from industrial waste, potentially powering vehicles and other applications.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Development of a new thermoelectric material for a sustainable society

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have successfully synthesized a new thermoelectric material, CaMgSi, with sufficient size and thermoelectric properties comparable to those of previously developed materials. The material exhibits both n- and p-type conductivity, making it suitable for power-generation modules.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateOct 24, 2016

Next-generation thermoelectrics

Researchers aim to improve thermoelectric performance in polymeric materials with $900,000 US Department of Energy funding. This study could yield new materials for efficient energy harvesting and waste heat recovery.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateOct 12, 2016

Back to basics with thermoelectric power

Researchers found that electron diffusivity plays a crucial role in harnessing thermoelectric power from waste heat. The study sheds light on the fundamental physical process behind this phenomenon.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateApr 5, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

NREL reveals potential for capturing waste heat via nanotubes

Researchers at NREL have developed a thermoelectric power generator using carbon nanotubes, enabling the capture and use of waste heat. The material's unique properties allow it to retain high thermopower while maintaining low thermal conductivity.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 5, 2016

Worldwide electricity production vulnerable to climate and water resource change

A new study finds that climate change and changing water resources could reduce global electricity production capacity by over 60% by 2040-2069. However, adaptation measures such as increasing power plant efficiency and using alternative cooling systems can mitigate this decline.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 4, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Hot stuff: Magnetic domain walls

Researchers at PTB have successfully measured the thermoelectric properties of a single magnetic domain wall, a breakthrough that opens up new possibilities in spin caloritronics. The study reveals that the presence or absence of the domain wall leads to a measurable change in the thermoelectric voltage generated by the wire.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 15, 2015

Indications of the origin of the Spin Seebeck effect discovered

Scientists found thermally excited magnetic waves generate electricity in insulators with thin metallic layers. This breakthrough explains the Spin Seebeck effect, enabling heat recovery and conversion into electrical energy.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 7, 2015
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Sandia researchers first to measure thermoelectric behavior by 'Tinkertoy' materials

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have made the first measurements of thermoelectric behavior in a nanoporous metal-organic framework (MOF), a discovery that could lead to more efficient cooling and energy harvesting applications. The material, known as TCNQ@MOF, exhibits high Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 20, 2015

Electricity generating nano-wizards

Scientists have made a significant discovery in thermoelectric effects, which are crucial for nanoscale energy harvesting. Using quantum dots, researchers found that the actual performance of systems is less optimistic than predicted calculations, highlighting the importance of optimizing structures at the nanoscale.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 18, 2015

A new breakthrough in thermoelectric materials

Researchers have created a novel and highly efficient thermoelectric alloy, nearly doubling industry standard efficiency. The new material achieves significant temperature changes, enabling potential applications in electrical vehicles and personal electronic devices.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateApr 2, 2015

First scientific publication from data collected at NSLS-II

The XPD beamline at NSLS-II achieved its first scientific commissioning experiment, yielding valuable information about ruthenium diselenide's thermoelectric properties. The study revealed the relationship between atomic structure and thermopower, shedding light on why RuSe2 has a high thermopower but low electrical conductivity.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 3, 2015
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

'Reverse engineering' materials for more efficient heating and cooling

Researchers developed a new way to calculate the electrical properties of individual components in composite materials, which could improve the energy efficiency of medical refrigerators, air-conditioned car seats, and other thermoelectric applications. The technique uses effective medium theory and allows for the separation of phase p...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 28, 2014

Refrigerator magnets

MIT researchers have developed a new theory that suggests refrigerators could use magnets as cooling agents by exploiting the thermoelectric effect of magnons. Theoretical calculations predict that magnons can carry heat from one end of a magnet to another, producing a cooling effect.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 28, 2014

New insight into thermoelectric materials may boost green technologies

Researchers at the University of Miami discovered a metal named lithium purple-bronze (LiPB) with extraordinary thermoelectric properties, which may revolutionize power generation and refrigeration. The material produces a large voltage for a given temperature difference, making it suitable for converting waste heat into electric power.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 14, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Nanoscale heat flow predictions

Researchers developed a predictive theoretical model for heat flux in novel nanomaterials using atom-scale calculations. This could help optimize thermal budget of nanoelectronic devices and produce energy through thermoelectric effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 7, 2014

Solving a mystery of thermoelectrics

Researchers have finally found a theoretical explanation for the differences in thermal conductivity between similar materials, which could lead to the discovery of new thermoelectric materials. The findings are reported in the journal Nature Communications and were partly supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2014

Thermoelectric generator on glass fabric for wearable electronic devices

KAIST researchers developed a flexible thermoelectric (TE) generator on glass fabric that produces electricity from human body heat, overcoming the limitations of existing TE generators. The new generator is extremely light, flexible, and compact, with a self-sustaining structure that eliminates thermal energy loss.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateApr 10, 2014

Nanoscale pillars could radically improve conversion of heat to electricity

Researchers have developed a new technique using nanoscale pillars to radically improve thermoelectric materials, potentially leading to more efficient solar panels and power plants. By slowing down the flow of heat, these pillars can reduce thermal losses and increase electricity generation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.