Mg2(Si,Ge,Sn)/Sio2 Composite Thermoelectric Materials and Module Assembly(2/3)

The overall concept of the research project is to fabricated nanoengineered bulk thermoelectric materials with high figure of merit. The engineering approach is constructed in loop that can be described in following steps: (1) first step is to define the requirements and overall specifications for the TE material, taking into account material and production process, (2) then Mg2(Si,Ge,Sn) material will be fabricated in the form of nano-powders and nanowires (3) next, the material is implemented to selected consolidation technology in order to produce samples, (4) the samples as well as (5) module assembles are characterized, tested and tuned-up to the needs defined by requirements related to the technical objective. Mentioned steps are repeated until developed materials meet the requirements. All these elements will be developed in an integrated way, i.e. by combining materials design with fabrication technology. Expected highly efficient thermoelectric materials as well as modules will be demonstrated. The expertise was collected and served as a basis for formulating requirements for current project focused on very promising materials based on heavily doped roughened Si nanowires and SiO2 nanoparticles. This will have beneficial impact on the environment by heat energy scavenging, significant energy savings and reduction of a greenhouse gas emission. Designing and manufacturing of highly efficient thermoelectric materials directly address material science and engineering aspects of research.