Biogenic Solar Thermoelectric Conversion – BiSTeC

Advances in green energy materials and technologies are mandated by low-carbon energy policies. Clean energy harvesting, conversion, and storage from the sun and waste heat is viewed as a major player to tackle environmental issues and energy shortages. A solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) collects solar energy & converts it into electricity using the principles of the Seebeck effect. Among the biogenic polymers applied to STEG, cellulose-based composite phase change materials (PCM) stand out since the 3Ddirectional cellulose-based composite structure provides ideal energy storage and improves heat transfer pathways. However, they still feature issues related to the low absorption coefficient, limited thermal conductivity, and low self-stability (storage and mechanical stress). Design of BiSTeC promises enhanced cellulose-based PCMs merging i) fluorescent proteins (FPs) to simultaneously enhance solar energy absorption and photo-induced heat generation, ii) nano-carbon additives to enhance heat transport, and iii) Synergic effect of cellulose, FPs and nanocarbon boost output stable performance of PCM based STEG.My expertise in the synthesis and enhancement of thermal properties of nanocomposite PCM and the host supervisor's expertise (Prof. Costa at the Technical University of Munich – TUM) on fluorescent protein (FP)-polymer coatings for photon-manipulation could provide an innovative twist in the field (design of efficient biogenic PCM based BiSTeC devices).