Flexible inorganic-organic hybrid superlattices for harvesting low-grade heat

For a sustainable society, there is a need for new materials for harvesting low-grade heat to power wearable electronics and “internet of things” devices.

Inorganic-organic hybrid superlattices can be synthesized by intercalation, and further be used to fabricate thermoelectric generation devices by printing techniques.

Here, I initiate a project to develop flexible Mg3Bi2-based inorganic-organic hybrid superlattices for harvesting low-grade heat and to provide nontoxic and low-cost thermoelectric materials.

My proposal is groundbreaking fundamental research with a clear view towards application.I will explore the intercalation of guest organic ligands into Mg3Bi2-based powers, with structural and chemical characterization.

The thermoelectric properties and flexibility of the hybrid superlattices will be optimized by tuning the thickness of organic sublayers and interfaces of inorganic/organic superlattices.

Once I have realized these hybrid superlattices, I will implement methodologies to fabricate wearable thermoelectric generators by ink-printing techniques.This project will be implemented in collaboration with Prof. Zhifeng Ren (Dept. of Physics, University of Houston) and Prof. Xavier Crispin (Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Linköping University).

At the end of this project, I aim to return to Sweden as an established expert on inorganic/organic hybrid materials for energy conversion technologies.