IIT-Mandi scientists discover new materials to boost energy efficiency, cooling systems
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MANDI: Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology-Mandi have made cutting-edge innovative strides in the fields of thermoelectric materials which falls in the domain of thermal energy harvesting using complex crystal structure and superionic conductors with poor thermal conductivity, unveiling new insights that could significantly impact energy efficiency and sustainability.
Metals, commonly used in cooking utensils and electrical wiring, are known for their high thermal and electrical conductivity. However, thermoelectric materials challenge this norm by efficiently conducting electricity while being poor conductors of heat. This distinctive property makes them highly suitable for applications such as refrigeration, energy generation, thermal management in advanced electronics.
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Ajay Soni from the School of Physical Sciences at IIT-Mandi alongside his research team, including Kewal Singh Rana, Aditya Singh, Nidhi, Animesh Bhui, Chandan Bera and Prof Kanishka Biswas, conducted an in-depth study on large unit cell mineral chalcogenides. These materials exhibit unique electronic and vibrational properties.
The research reveals that irregular atomic vibrations within the crystal lattices, which significantly reduces thermal conductivity, enhancing their effectiveness for thermoelectricity as well as for thermal management applications.
Emphasising the impact of their findings, Soni said, “Our research on the anharmonic rattling in sulfosalt tetrahedrites provides crucial insights at the atomic level for understanding the thermal conductivity on these solids. This advancement holds the potential to revolutionize thermoelectric materials, leading to more efficient cooling systems and energy recovery technologies. Our research is supported by the core research grant of science and engineering research board, now ANRF, Govt India.”
In a separate study, the team investigated superionic conductors that include silver and copper, known for their excellent ionic conductivity. Although, these materials are crystalline in nature still their thermal conductivity is comparable to glassy materials. These materials are even crucial for harvesting heat in mid temperature range, and for advanced battery technology and solid-state electrolytes for futuristic technologies.
Speaking in this context, Soni said, “By examining the detailed vibrations of silver and copper atoms in these superionic and in sulfosalt tetrahedrite compounds, we have uncovered insights that could improve materials used in energy conversions and storage devices. This research marks an exciting advancement in materials science and energy technology.”
The research from IIT-Mandi marks a major advancement in materials science by unveiling the origin of poor thermal properties. By elucidating how atomic vibrations influence thermal conductivity, the team’s work enables the design of materials with optimised thermal properties.
