Nanostructured Thermoelectric Films


Book Description

This book presents a range of low-dimensional superlattice thermoelectric materials based on physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods and explores various material types, thicknesses, and processing conditions. With the advances made in the performance of semiconductor thermoelectric materials and the efficiency of thermoelectric devices in recent years, thermoelectric power generation systems are likely to replace traditional mechanical heat engines, offering an environmentally friendlier alternative. The use of low-dimensional, nanostructured materials can significantly increase the density of states near the Fermi level and greatly improve the thermoelectric properties of materials. In addition, the book demonstrates that it is possible to influence thermoelectric performance, establish more accurate mathematical models through the regulation of relevant parameters, and ultimately improve the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT).




Properties of Porous Silicon


Book Description

A detailed insight into porous silicon and its diverse novel applications.




Thermoelectric Thin Films


Book Description

This book will provide readers with deep insight into the intriguing science of thermoelectric thin films. It serves as a fundamental information source on the techniques and methodologies involved in thermoelectric thin film growth, characterization and device processing. This book involves widespread contributions on several categories of thermoelectric thin films: oxides, chalcogenides, iodates, nitrides and polymers. This will serve as an invaluable resource for experts to consolidate their knowledge and will provide insight and inspiration to beginners wishing to learn about thermoelectric thin films. Provides a single-source reference on a wide spectrum of topics related to thermoelectric thin films, from organic chemistry to devices, from physical chemistry to applied physics, from synthesis to device implementation; Covers several categories of thermoelectric thin films based on different material approaches such as oxides, chalcogenides, iodates, nitrides and polymers; Discusses synthesis, characterization, and device processing of thermoelectric thin films, as well as the nanoengineering approach to tailor the properties of the used materials at the nanoscale level.




Thin Film and Flexible Thermoelectric Generators, Devices and Sensors


Book Description

This book presents and facilitates new research and development results with hot topics in the thermoelectric generators (TEGs) field. Topics include: novel thin film; multilayer, composite and nanostructured thermoelectric materials; simulation of phenomena related to thermoelectricity; thermoelectric thin film and multilayer materials manufacturing technologies; measurement techniques for characterization; thermoelectric generators; and the simulation, modeling, design, thermal, and mechanical degradation problems. This book helps researchers tackle the challenges that still remain in creating cheap and effective TEGs and presents the latest trends and technologies in development and production of advanced thermoelectric generation devices.




Inorganic and Organic Thin Films


Book Description

Learn more about foundational and advanced topics in polymer thin films and coatings besides species with this powerful two-volume resource The two-volume Inorganic and Organic Thin Films: Fundamentals, Fabrication, and Applications delivers a foundational resource for current researchers and commercial users involved in the design and fabrication of thin films. The book offers newcomers to the field a thorough description of new design theory, fabrication methods, and applications of advanced thin films. Readers will discover the physics and chemistry underlying the manufacture of new thin films and coatings in this leading new resource that promises to become a handbook for future applications of the technology. This one-stop reference brings together all important aspects of inorganic and polymeric thin films and coatings, including construction, assembly, deposition, functionality, patterning, and characterization. Explorations of their applications in industries as diverse as information technology, new energy, biomedical engineering, aerospace, and oceanographic engineering round out this fulsome exploration of one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of scientific and industrial research today. Readers will also learn from: A comprehensive introduction to the progress of thin films and coatings as well as fundamentals in functional thin films and coatings An exploration of multi-layered magnetic thin films for electron transport control and signal sensing, including giant magnetoresistance, colossal magnetoresistance, tunneling magnetoresistance, and the quantum anomalous Holzer effect An in time summary of high-quality magneto-optics, nanophotonics, spin waves and spintronics using bismuth-substituted iron garnet thin films as examples A thorough discussion of template-assisted fabrication of nanostructure thin films for ultrasensitive detection of chemicals and biomolecules A treatment of biomass derived functional films and coatings Perfect for materials scientists and inorganic chemists, Inorganic and Organic Thin Films will also earn a place in the libraries of solid state physicists and physical chemists working in private industry, as well as polymer and surface chemists who seek to improve their understanding of thin films and coatings.




Thermoelectric Materials and Devices


Book Description

Thermoelectric Materials and Devices summarizes the latest research achievements over the past 20 years of thermoelectric material and devices, most notably including new theory and strategies of thermoelectric materials design and the new technology of device integration. The book's author has provided a bridge between the knowledge of basic physical/chemical principles and the fabrication technology of thermoelectric materials and devices, providing readers with research and development strategies for high performance thermoelectric materials and devices. It will be a vital resource for graduate students, researchers and technologists working in the field of energy conversion and the development of thermoelectric devices. - Discusses the new theory and methods of thermoelectric materials design - Combines scientific principles, along with synthesis and fabrication technologies in thermoelectric materials - Presents the design optimization and interface technology for thermoelectric devices - Introduces thermoelectric polymers and organic-inorganic thermoelectric composites




Thermoelectrics Handbook


Book Description

Ten years ago, D.M. Rowe introduced the bestselling CRC Handbook of Thermoelectrics to wide acclaim. Since then, increasing environmental concerns, desire for long-life electrical power sources, and continued progress in miniaturization of electronics has led to a substantial increase in research activity involving thermoelectrics. Reflecting the latest trends and developments, the Thermoelectrics Handbook: Macro to Nano is an extension of the earlier work and covers the entire range of thermoelectrics disciplines. Serving as a convenient reference as well as a thorough introduction to thermoelectrics, this book includes contributions from 99 leading authorities from around the world. Its coverage spans from general principles and theoretical concepts to material preparation and measurements; thermoelectric materials; thermoelements, modules, and devices; and thermoelectric systems and applications. Reflecting the enormous impact of nanotechnology on the field-as the thermoelectric properties of nanostructured materials far surpass the performance of conventional materials-each section progresses systematically from macro-scale to micro/nano-scale topics. In addition, the book contains an appendix listing major manufacturers and suppliers of thermoelectric modules. There is no longer any need to spend hours plodding through the journal literature for information. The Thermoelectrics Handbook: Macro to Nano offers a timely, comprehensive treatment of all areas of thermoelectrics in a single, unified reference.




Design and Development of Nanostructured Thin Films


Book Description

Due to their unique size-dependent physicochemical properties, nanostructured thin films are used in a wide range of applications from smart coating and drug delivery to electrocatalysis and highly-sensitive sensors. Depending on the targeted application and the deposition technique, these materials have been designed and developed by tuning their atomic-molecular 2D- and/or 3D-aggregation, thickness, crystallinity, and porosity, having effects on their optical, mechanical, catalytic, and conductive properties. Several open questions remain about the impact of nanomaterial production and use on environment and health. Many efforts are currently being made not only to prevent nanotechnologies and nanomaterials from contributing to environmental pollution but also to design nanomaterials to support, control, and protect the environment. This Special Issue aims to cover the recent advances in designing nanostructured films focusing on environmental issues related to their fabrication processes (e.g., low power and low cost technologies, the use of environmentally friendly solvents), their precursors (e.g., waste-recycled, bio-based, biodegradable, and natural materials), their applications (e.g., controlled release of chemicals, mimicking of natural processes, and clean energy conversion and storage), and their use in monitoring environment pollution (e.g., sensors optically- or electrically-sensitive to pollutants)




Thin Film Structures in Energy Applications


Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive overview of thin film structures in energy applications. Each chapter contains both fundamentals principles for each thin film structure as well as the relevant energy application technologies. The authors cover thin films for a variety of energy sectors including inorganic and organic solar cells, DSSCs, solid oxide fuel cells, thermoelectrics, phosphors and cutting tools.




Porous Silicon in Practice


Book Description

By means of electrochemical treatment, crystalline silicon can be permeated with tiny, nanostructured pores that entirely change the characteristics and properties of the material. One prominent example of this can be seen in the interaction of porous silicon with living cells, which can be totally unwilling to settle on smooth silicon surfaces but readily adhere to porous silicon, giving rise to great hopes for such future applications as programmable drug delivery or advanced, braincontrolled prosthetics. Porous silicon research is active in the fields of sensors, tissue engineering, medical therapeutics and diagnostics, photovoltaics, rechargeable batteries, energetic materials, photonics, and MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems). Written by an outstanding, well-recognized expert in the field, this book provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to prepare and characterize the major types of porous silicon. It is intended for those new to the fi eld. Sampling of topics covered: * Principles of Etching Porous Silicon * Etch Cell Construction and Considerations * Photonic Crystals, Microcavities, and Bragg Stacks Etched in Silicon * Preparation of Free-standing Films and Particles of Porous Silicon * Preparation of Photoluminescent Nanoparticles from Porous Silicon * Preparation of Silicon Nanowires by Electrochemical Etch of Silicon * Surface Modifi cation Chemistry and Biochemistry * Measurement of Optical Properties * Measurement of Pore Size, Porosity, Thickness, Surface Area The whole is backed by a generous use of color photographs to illustrate the described procedures in detail, plus a bibliography of further literature pertinent to a wide range of application fi elds. For materials scientists, chemists, physicists, optical physicists, biomaterials scientists, neurobiologists, bioengineers, and graduate students in those fields, as well as those working in the semiconductor industry.