Innovative Material Converts Waste Heat to Energy
In a groundbreaking development, researchers have created a new material that could revolutionize the conversion of waste heat into usable energy. This innovative material, known as ferecrystals, belongs to a unique class of misfit layered compounds. By introducing twisted layers within these compounds, scientists have achieved an exceptionally high thermoelectric figure of merit, exceeding the value of two. This advancement holds significant promise for thermoelectric energy conversion, a process that captures waste heat from various sources, including industrial processes and vehicle exhaust, and transforms it into electricity.
Understanding Ferecrystals and Their Unique Properties
Ferecrystals are a fascinating example of two-dimensional (2D) superlattice materials. These materials consist of alternating layers of different structures, engineered at the atomic level. Each layer is typically just a few atoms thick. The periodic stacking of these diverse 2D materials creates a new composite material with unique electronic properties that are not found in the individual layers.
Misfit Layered Compounds (MLCs) are a specific type of 2D superlattice material. They are made up of at least two periodically stacked independent layers. The difference in the repeating patterns of these layers causes a misalignment along one direction, resulting in what is known as a “misfit.” This misalignment leads to weaker bonding along the stacking direction. However, in ferecrystals, the twisting between the layers introduces a form of rotational disorder. This unique characteristic significantly hampers heat transport, effectively blocking heat waves in any material. The ability of ferecrystals to block heat makes them particularly valuable for thermoelectric energy conversion. By converting waste heat into electricity, these materials could play a crucial role in improving energy efficiency across various industries.
The Research Breakthrough at JNCASR
A recent study led by Professor Kanishka Biswas and his Ph.D. student, Ms. Vaishali Taneja, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru, has made significant strides in this field. The research team successfully synthesized ferecrystalline intergrowths as nanoscale regions within bulk SnSe. They also incorporated n-type halide doping, which stabilized the SnSe-TaSe2 ferecrystal in the form of nanostructures within a solid-state SnSe matrix. This innovative approach resulted in a remarkable thermoelectric figure of merit of 2.3.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, marks a significant step forward in achieving high performance in n-type SnSe polycrystals. To confirm the formation of the intended intergrowth nanostructures, the team collaborated with Professor N. Ravishankar from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. They utilized advanced imaging techniques, including high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), to visualize the presence of TaSe2 layers interspersed among the SnSe layers
Implications for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
The findings from this research have far-reaching implications for energy efficiency and sustainability. By effectively converting waste heat into electricity, ferecrystals could help industries reduce their carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. This technology could be particularly beneficial for sectors that generate significant waste heat, such as chemical plants, steel manufacturing, and petroleum refineries.
The ability to synthesize ferecrystals as nanostructures within a solid-state matrix presents a grand challenge in synthetic chemistry and materials science. However, overcoming this challenge could lead to substantial advancements in thermoelectric technology. As researchers continue to explore the potential of these materials, we may witness a new era of energy-efficient solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.