Recent advancements in thermoelectric materials have the potential to revolutionize energy efficiency in the construction sector, particularly through the work of researchers at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. In a study published in ‘Applied Surface Science Advances’, lead author J. More-Chevalier and his team have unveiled significant findings regarding the thermoelectric properties of scandium nitride (ScN) films, which are crucial for applications at high operating temperatures.
The researchers focused on ScN layers deposited on magnesium oxide (MgO) substrates using direct current reactive magnetron sputtering. Their meticulous examination of the microstructure through X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy revealed that the introduction of twin-domain structures within these thin films led to notable enhancements in thermoelectric performance. “Our experiments show that ScN layers with twin-domain structures exhibit an enlarged Seebeck coefficient by about 30% and a more than two-and-a-half times increase in the figure of merit at 800 K,” More-Chevalier stated. This leap in thermoelectric efficiency could have profound implications for energy systems, especially in construction, where sustainable energy solutions are increasingly sought after.
Thermoelectric materials convert temperature differences into electrical energy, making them ideal for applications in energy harvesting and waste heat recovery. The construction industry, often grappling with energy consumption and sustainability challenges, stands to benefit immensely from these developments. Enhanced thermoelectric materials could be integrated into building materials, enabling structures to generate their own energy from heat differentials, thus reducing reliance on external energy sources and lowering operational costs.
Furthermore, the study utilized advanced techniques such as Raman spectroscopy to analyze the phonon properties of ScN layers, linking temperature effects to thermoelectric performance. This comprehensive approach not only deepens the understanding of ScN but also paves the way for optimizing other materials in the thermoelectric domain.
As the construction sector increasingly shifts towards greener technologies, the findings from this research could catalyze the development of next-generation building materials. The potential for ScN films to enhance energy efficiency aligns perfectly with global sustainability goals, making it a timely contribution to the field.
For those interested in the detailed findings of this study, the research is available in the journal ‘Applied Surface Science Advances’ (translated as ‘Advances in Surface Science’). More information about J. More-Chevalier’s work can be found at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences: lead_author_affiliation. As the construction industry looks to innovate, studies like this one are essential in shaping a more energy-efficient future.