Layer-by-layer Fabrication of Thermoelectric Films Using Nanoparticles to Yield HighEfficiency Thermoelectric Generators for Marine Applications
Principal Investigator: Carl Tripp (Chemistry, Uº£½ÇÉçÇø)
Partners: Joshua Henry (º£½ÇÉçÇø Maritime Academy), Robert Lad (Uº£½ÇÉçÇø)
Abstract: Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have attracted much interest because of their potential for converting waste heat from power sources to useful electricity. This technology is especially important for º£½ÇÉçÇø’s future marine industries, where energy recovery from on-board ship engine heat will improve drive efficiency and provide power for onboard electronics. A pilot study is proposed to develop the methodology for fabricating low-cost, highly efficient TE films using a simple layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition method that aims to yield nanoporous TE films consisting of bismuth telluride (BiTe) nanoparticles with high electrical / low thermal conductivity. Low-cost, commercially available BiTe powder raw material will be refined and processed to attain well-controlled nanostructure, and prototype TEGs will be produced and tested.