Activities of the project
We will prepare TMD (SnSe2, WSe2, MoSe2, WTe2) in different forms, namely bulk single crystals, epitaxial ultrathin films and heterostructures (grown by molecular beam epitaxy),or nanoflakes (obtained by liquid phase exfoliation and subsequent ink-jet printing and drop-casting). In these samples, we will measure electric, thermoelectric and thermal transport properties. In TMD ultrathin films and heterostructures, we will focus on the possibility of tuning TE properties via thickness. In assembled flake patterns, we will further explore the effect of confinement, but also address phonon engineering by nanostructural configurations, in terms of a suitable distribution of thickness and size, as well as proper inter-flake connectivity. In synergy, deeper insight will be gained by carrying out theoretical calculations of electric, thermoelectric and thermal transport properties, focusing on the effects of confinement and the presence of interface thermal resistances.
Our investigation will start from the optimization of the sample preparation processes and it will proceed by combining experimental measurements and theoretical calculations, aiming to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the physical mechanisms into play and a realistic assessment of TMDs as TE materials for device applications such as TE micro-coolers, on the basis of our own experimental results, as well as our estimation of the limits of performance we can achieve.
The scientific activity of the project is articulated in three different workpackages. Management, scientific coordination and dissemination is carried out in a fourth workpackage.
- WP1: sample preparation
- WP2: characterization of electric, thermoelectric and thermal transport
- WP3: theoretical calculation of electric, thermoelectric and thermal transport and assessment
- WP4: Management, scientific coordination and dissemination
