Geometric design of Cu2Se-based thermoelectric materials for enhancing power generation

Seungjun Choo, Jungsoo Lee, Bengisu Şişik, Sung-Jin Jung, Keonkuk Kim, Seong Eun Yang, Seungki Jo, Changhyeon Nam, Sangjoon Ahn, Ho Seong Lee, Han Gi Chae, Seong Keun Kim, Saniya LeBlanc () and Jae Sung Son ()
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Seungjun Choo: Pohang University of Science and Technology
Jungsoo Lee: Pohang University of Science and Technology
Bengisu Şişik: The George Washington University
Sung-Jin Jung: Samsung Electronics
Keonkuk Kim: Pohang University of Science and Technology
Seong Eun Yang: Pohang University of Science and Technology
Seungki Jo: Korea Institute of Materials Science
Changhyeon Nam: Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology
Sangjoon Ahn: Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology
Ho Seong Lee: Kyungpook National University
Han Gi Chae: Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology
Seong Keun Kim: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
Saniya LeBlanc: The George Washington University
Jae Sung Son: Pohang University of Science and Technology

Nature Energy, 2024, vol. 9, issue 9, 1105-1116

Abstract: Abstract Waste heat, an abundant energy source generated by both industries and nature, has the potential to be harnessed into electricity via thermoelectric power generation. The performance of thermoelectric modules, typically composed of cuboid-shaped materials, depends on both the materials’ intrinsic properties and the temperature difference created. Despite significant advancements in the development of efficient materials, macroscopic thermal designs capable of accommodating larger temperature differences have been largely underexplored because of the challenges associated with processing bulk thermoelectric materials. Here we present the design strategy for Cu2Se thermoelectric materials for high-temperature power generation using a combination of finite element modelling and 3D printing. The macroscopic geometries and microscopic defects in Cu2Se materials are precisely engineered by optimizing the 3D printing and post-treatment processes, leading to notable enhancements in the material efficiency and temperature difference across legs, where the hourglass geometry exhibits maximized output powers and efficiencies. The proposed approach paves the way for designing efficient thermoelectric power generators.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41560-024-01589-5

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