The Werner Siemens Foundation has funded our research in high-efficiency thermoelectric materials since September 2020.
Conventional methods for fabricating thermoelectric materials are based on purely inorganic compound semiconductors fabricated by solid-state synthesis. However, this method is not sufficiently controllable, so we need alternative strategies to control structural and chemical parameters at multiple dimensional levels. We intend to develop novel materials based on nanoparticles and molecular precursor-nanoparticle combinations. The basis is a computer-aided high-throughput method. This approach benefits mainly from 3 factors: (a) the incorporation of high-throughput synthesis as well as machine learning to dramatically accelerate development time; (b) the use of computational assumptions to predict the functional properties of novel thermoelectric materials; (c) new approaches to materials design that go beyond the intrinsic properties of a single solid material.
The Austrian Science Fund (FWF) aims to support the ongoing development of Austrian science and basic research at a high international level. In this way, the FWF makes a significant contribution to cultural development, the advancement of our knowledge-based society, and the creation of value and wealth in Austria.
Dr. Chang was awarded in March 2020 with the postdoctoral grant Lise Meitner. His project aims to produce low-cost Sn chalcogenide thermoelectric materials with high-performance by enabling nanoparticles’ unique potential as building blocks.
Breakthrough Battery Technology to Power the Future: EU Research Project MeBattery Launches
A radically new vision of energy storage to accelerate the green energy transition
Battery technologies currently considered state-of-the-art suffer from several severe downsides in sustainability, recyclability and energy efficiency. MeBattery strives to lay the foundations of next-generation battery technology by overcoming the critical limitations of previously established battery systems across the most crucial performance categories (cycle of life, sustainability, recyclability, eco-friendliness, cost, energy efficiency, safety). Over the coming three years, the project’s international research team seeks to develop a decarbonized and sustainable battery with high market potential that paves the way for the next phase of the green energy transition. MeBattery, which brings together 6 partners (Universidad de Burgos (coordinator), Fundación IMDEA Energía, Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Universidade de Aveiro, Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Eurice – European Research and Project Office GmbH), has been funded with EUR 2.5 million from the European Innovation Council’s (EIC) Pathfinder program, targeting visionary and disruptive innovations that can bring about decisive societal transformations while addressing global challenges.