Developing of an solid-state thermoelectric battery for efficiently low-grade heat energy harvesting

This is a 2-year Horizon Europe MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship. Total value: 276K EUR.

Nearly 60% of our energy is wasted as heat, highlighting the urgent need to recover and reuse it. Capturing low-grade waste heat (<100°C) poses significant challenges due to its low quality and energy density. Thermoelectric (TE) modules offer a promising solution to convert this waste heat into electricity, aligning with the EU's 2050 net-zero emissions goal. However, widespread TE technology adoption is limited by low device efficiency and unsustainable materials. To address these challenges, this proposal proposes to develop an solid-state double-layered thermoelectric battery for efficiently low-grade heat energy harvesting (TEnergy). This innovative approach combines the best aspects of ionic TE energy conversion with battery technology, creating a device that can efficiently convert thermal gradients—or differences in temperature—into electricity. The TEnergy leverages a high open-circuit voltage (>0.2 V) to achieve a remarkable Carnot-relative efficiency of over 10%, representing a significant breakthrough in the field of TEs. The potential impact of the TEnergy project is vast. It could spark a revolution in TE technology, paving the way for more effective, economically viable, and sustainable energy solutions. By overcoming the current limitations of TE devices and pushing the boundaries of material performance, the TEnergy has the potential to not only contribute to the EU's net-zero emissions goal but also position the country as a leader in the global effort to harness waste heat as a valuable energy resource. With the support of the Newton International Fellowships, I am committed to pursuing this ambitious research program and unlocking a new era of energy innovation for a cleaner, greener future.