Metamaterials for Thermoelectric Applications - multiscale Structure, Chemistry, Thermal Property relations to uncover the local behavior of grain boundaries

A major barrier to a wider adoption of renewable energy technologies is developing more performing materials. Grain boundaries (GBs) emerge having a strong and multifaceted impact on thermal and electrical transport, critically controlling the materials performance in applications spanning from photovoltaics, solid oxide fuel-cells, thermal barriers, and thermoelectrics. Despite the considerable technological relevance, our understanding of how the structure and chemistry of GBs govern heat transport at the local scale, where GBs operate, remains limited.MetaSCT is a career development program designed for Dr. Eleonora Isotta, aimed at developing structure – chemistry - thermal property (SCT) relations to advance our understanding of GBs. To successfully deliver the project goals, Dr Isotta will receive advanced research training from an intercontinental collaboration of world-leading institutes and will benefit of their cutting-edge expertise and equipment. This opportunity will support Dr. Isotta’s growth as independent researcher and expert materials scientist, with lasting impact on her long-term career trajectory.If successful, the project will uncover new knowledge on heat transport at GBs, consolidate a promising material for thermoelectrics, establish novel techniques for SCT relations with 20x higher spatial resolution than current possibilities, and develop predictive models. High resolution techniques can have significant impact on broad areas of applied materials science and energy generation. New understanding on GBs will enable the design of metamaterials with engineered GBs for several applications, including thermoelectric energy harvesting and heat management.