Nanoscale characterisation and decoupling of charge and heat transport across interfaces in novel, molecular thermoelectric materials

Across the global energy economy, only about one-third of primary energy is converted into useful energy services, the other two-thirds are wasted as heat in the various industrial, transportation, residential energy conversion and electricity generation processes. There is an urgent need to solve the issue of wasted energy as the negative impacts of the climate crisis heighten. Thermoelectric waste-heat-to-electricity conversion could offer a potential solution but the performance of thermoelectric materials is currently insufficient, particularly for the majority of heat that is generated at low heat source temperatures below 300-400°C.

The project aims to develop novel experimental methods for the nanoscale characterisation of the thermoelectric properties of a very promising new generation of molecular thermoelectric materials and achieve a clear fundamental understanding of their thermoelectric physics and how thermoelectric transport coefficients can be decoupled and enhanced independently in these materials. It ultimately seeks to translate its findings into the design of high-performance molecular thermoelectric materials with unprecedented performance. If successful the project could make a significant contribution to improved energy efficiency and a successful transition to a zero-carbon energy economy.