Polymers can be semimetals
Researchers from Linköping University and five universities worldwide have proven that polymers can exhibit semiconductor-like properties. The discovery paves the way for a new field of research in organic electronics.
Thermoelectricity
Articles tagged with Thermoelectricity
Electricity from waste heat with more efficient materials
Researchers developed new thermoelectric materials with improved performance and reduced thermal conductivity, enabling more efficient conversion of waste heat into electricity. The study uses hybrid organic-inorganic compounds to achieve higher efficiency.
Researchers develop technique to convert thermoelectric material into high performance electricity
Clemson researchers developed a novel nanosizing method to tailor n-type bismuth telluride for high thermoelectric performance. The technique enables the creation of 'interfacial charged defects' that improve structural and thermoelectric efficiency over a wide temperature window.
A thermoelectric materials emulator
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel approach to study thermoelectric materials by simulating the behavior of complex systems using ultra-cold atoms. The 'thermoelectric material emulator' allows for precise comparison between theory and experiments, shedding light on fundamental processes underlying thermoelectricity.
Improving materials that convert heat to electricity and vice-versa
A research team from the University of Michigan has developed a new class of thermoelectric materials made with organic semiconductors that can convert waste heat into electricity more efficiently. The material, PEDOT:PSS, achieves a figure-of-merit of 0.42, nearly doubling the efficiency of existing organic semiconductors.
Rivers act as 'horizontal cooling towers,' study finds
Researchers from the University of New Hampshire have detailed how thermoelectric power plants interact with climate, hydrology, and aquatic ecosystems. Rivers serve as
New thermoelectric material could be an energy saver
Researchers developed a new thermoelectric material using common materials found in dirt, improving efficiency and reducing production costs. The material has potential applications in waste heat recovery from industrial power plants and conversion of vehicle exhaust gas heat into electricity.
Controlling heat flow through a nanostructure
A new study reveals that heat can travel like waves, not particles, through superlattices, allowing for precise control over heat flow. This discovery opens the possibility of creating materials with tailored thermal properties for thermoelectric devices and improved cooling of electronic chips.
'Invisibility' could be a key to better electronics
MIT researchers develop a new approach to let particles hide from passing electrons, potentially leading to more efficient thermoelectric devices and new electronics. The concept harnesses cloaking mechanisms to control electron transport, offering a promising strategy for controlling electron flow.
World record holder
Northwestern University scientists have developed a thermoelectric material that can convert 15-20% of waste heat to useful electricity. The material exhibits a ZT of 2.2, the highest reported to date, and has the potential to recover high-temperature waste heat and turn it into usable energy.
Researchers 1 step closer to new kind of thermoelectric 'heat engine'
Ohio State University researchers have discovered a way to amplify the spin-Seebeck effect, producing more electrical power in a non-magnetic semiconductor. The resulting voltages are tiny but promise a 1-million-fold increase in power, enabling low-cost and efficient solid-state engines that convert heat to electricity.
US and European energy supplies vulnerable to climate change - Nature Climate Change
Thermoelectric power plants in the US and Europe are vulnerable to climate change due to reduced water supply, leading to increased electricity prices and concerns about future energy security. The study projects a decrease in thermoelectric power generating capacity of 4-19% by 2031-2060, affecting both regions.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 3, 2012
With new design, bulk semiconductor proves it can take the heat
Researchers at Boston College and MIT have developed a novel nanotech design that enhances the thermoelectric performance of Silicon Germanium alloy semiconductors. The breakthrough boosts electrical conductivity while reducing thermal conductivity, resulting in improved figure of merit values up to 1.3 at 900°C.
Liquid-like materials may pave way for new thermoelectric devices
Scientists have discovered a liquid-like compound that could lead to more efficient thermoelectric devices, which convert heat into electricity and vice versa. The copper-selenium material exhibits liquid-like behavior due to the flow of copper atoms through the selenium's crystal lattice.
New nanotechnology converts heat into power when it's needed most
Researchers at Wake Forest University developed Power Felt, a thermoelectric device that converts body heat into an electrical current. The technology has potential uses in various applications, including powering mobile devices during emergencies or boosting battery power in vehicles.
Nature Materials: Quick-cooking nanomaterials in microwave to make tomorrow's air conditioners
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a new method for creating advanced nanomaterials that can convert electricity into different temperatures. The new thermoelectric materials exhibit superior properties and can be produced quickly, easily, and cheaply in large batches using microwave ovens.
A 50-year quest to isolate the thermoelectric effect is now over: Magnon drag unveiled
Scientists isolate thermoelectric effect in magnetic materials, enabling control of spin information via heat flow. The discovery provides opportunities to study electron-magnon interactions and may aid energy conversion applications.
SourceCatalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 18, 2011
Elemental 'cookbook' guides efficient thermoelectric combinations
The Duke researchers have calculated the thermoelectric properties of over 2,500 compounds and provided detailed recipes for creating the most efficient combinations. This new database will allow scientists to stop using trial-and-error methods and instead use a rational basis to design thermoelectric devices.
Microwave ovens a key to energy production from wasted heat
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a way to produce 'skutterudites' using microwave technology, cutting production time from days to minutes and opening doors to efficient thermoelectric energy generation. This breakthrough has huge potential for applications in industries and devices that waste heat.
MIT: New system for flat-panel solar power combines with hot water systems for greater performance
Researchers at MIT have developed a new system for harnessing the sun's heat to generate electricity, producing power with an efficiency roughly eight times higher than previous devices. The system uses flat, stationary panels and eliminates the need for tracking systems, making it potentially less expensive to produce.
Self-cooling observed in graphene electronics
Researchers at the University of Illinois have observed a nanoscale cooling effect in graphene transistors, which could enable devices to cool themselves and operate more efficiently. This self-cooling effect is stronger than resistive heating and has the potential to greatly improve energy efficiency.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 3, 2011
New material provides 25 percent greater thermoelectric conversion efficiency
Researchers at Ames Laboratory developed a new alloy that converts heat into electrical energy with improved efficiency, paving the way for applications in vehicles, power generation, and recycling waste heat. The breakthrough uses rare-earth elements cerium or ytterbium to enhance thermoelectric properties.
We will convert waste heat into electricity
A team of researchers from Denmark and Japan have developed a new technology to convert waste heat into electricity using oxide materials. The project aims to integrate the technology into existing systems and reduce CO2 emissions, potentially enabling the use of thermoelectric material in various applications such as cars and stoves.
SourceRisoe National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, the Technical University of Denmark·DateFeb 1, 2011
Nanotech milling produces dramatic increase in thermoelectric performance of bulk semiconductor
Researchers have developed a new method to improve the thermoelectric performance of p-type half-Heusler, a common bulk semiconductor compound, using nanotechnology. The approach resulted in a significant increase in the figure of merit, paving the way for cleaner energy products such as car exhaust systems and power plants.
Technology uses auto exhaust heat to create electricity, boost mileage
A system is being developed to capture heat from a car's exhaust, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10% through thermoelectric generators. The technology uses heat difference to generate electricity, promising improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Turning waste heat into power
Physicists at the University of Arizona have developed a new way to convert waste heat into electrical power using quantum physics. The technology holds great promise for making various devices more efficient and reducing ozone-depleting chemicals.
Mismatched alloys are a good match for thermoelectrics
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that introducing oxygen impurities into highly mismatched alloys can substantially enhance thermoelectric performance. This approach allows for the creation of materials with high thermopower and electric conductivity, promising a breakthrough in green energy production.
Powe Award supports development of more robust thermoelectric materials
Jeremiah T. Abiade received a Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award to increase electrical output of thermoelectric materials and devices. His research aims to enhance the thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT, for useful power output.
Promising new material that could improve gas mileage
A Northwestern University-led research team has identified a new material that can transform thermoelectric technology into one that converts waste heat into electricity, potentially improving gas mileage by 5-10 percent. The discovery is promising and could lead to widespread use in the automotive industry and other applications.
A new material could act as a nanofridge for microchips
Researchers at UAB and CSIC developed a new material with improved thermoelectric properties, reducing thermal conductivity and increasing power efficiency for microchips. The unique structure of the material, composed of silicon and germanium quantum dots, enables efficient cooling and heating of micro-sized circuits.
Boston College, MIT researchers achieve dramatic increase in thermoelectric efficiency
Researchers at Boston College and MIT used nanotechnology to boost thermoelectric efficiency, a milestone that could lead to cleaner products and energy generation. By slowing down phonons, the team created a material with improved electrical conductivity while blocking heat flow.
Feeling the heat
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a novel method to synthesize silicon nanowires with exceptionally rough surfaces, which exhibit high thermoelectric efficiency. This breakthrough technology could enable the widespread adoption of thermoelectric materials in various applications.
Clemson physicist addresses international forum on thermoelectric energy
Thermoelectric devices could capture wasted heat from hot engines, generating electricity and saving billions of dollars in the US. Clemson University physicist Terry Tritt discusses promising applications, including waste-heat recovery in cars.
Scientists convert heat to power using organic molecules, may lead to new energy source
Researchers at UC Berkeley have successfully generated electricity from heat by trapping organic molecules between metal nanoparticles. The discovery could lead to more efficient ways to directly convert heat into electricity, potentially reducing waste and emissions.
Countywide forecasts of water use available for Illinois, Midwest
Forecasts project Illinois water use to grow faster than population, with increased demand for energy production. The Midwest region will need almost 17 billion gallons of water per day by 2025, mostly for electricity generation.
Thermoelectric cooling and power generation
Scientists are working on creating new thermoelectric materials that can rival the efficiency of conventional coolants in air conditioners. The goal is to develop a small, lightweight device that can both cool and generate electricity.