Charge transfer in ionic thermoelectrics

The large amount of free heat from nature and industry waste has promoted a strong research interest in heat-to-electricity conversion.

Thermoelectric materials that can generate electricity only by being exposed to a temperature gradient is the dreaming candidate.

Significant efforts in searching for materials of decent thermoelectric properties with sustainable composition have led to the emerging field of ionic thermoelectrics.

However, despite providing exceptionally high thermovoltages, ionic thermoelectrics have been limited to low energy extraction by charging supercapacitors with periodic heat inputs. To better utilize the strengths of ionic thermoelectric materials, new knowledge and technologies are required.

In this 4-years project, we propose to use the large ionic thermal voltage to promote charge transfer, which could enable constant heat harvesting into electric current or chemical energy.

We will conduct fundamental studies of interface charge transfer under induced electric fields, and develop novel heat harvesting devices.The research will be performed at the laboratory of Organic Electronics at Linköping University, where the applicant leads the research group of organic energy harvesters.

We expect to contribute significantly to clean energy generation, by providing insights into the fundamental mechanism, as well as novel concepts.