Thermoelectric generators are solid-state devices which convert heat into electricity (Seebeck effect). The use of solar radiation or waste heat from thermal combustion processes (e.g. machines, engines, and living beings) as energy source for a thermoelectric generator is an attractive and sustainable way to cover the increasing auxiliary electrical power demand. Our research focus on developing high performance thermoelectric materials by manipulating microstructure and composition, which control the phonon and electron transport properties. The research topics include:
- Complex transition metal oxides (manganates, cobaltates, titanates)
- Fe and Ni based half-Heusler materials
- Inhomogeneous high temperature phases
- 2D materials: chalcogenides
- Nanostructured and hybrid materials