Engineering Macroscale Thermoelectric Transport By Chemical Modulation of Nanoscale Interfaces

Optimizing the performance of thermoelectric materials has historically proven difficult as their essential transport parameters are cross-coupled in bulk transport equations. However, new classes of hybrid inorganic/organic materials are emerging which present exciting opportunities as their transport behavior can strongly deviate from classical models. In this talk, I will present recent achievements in demonstrating new, interface-driven mechanisms for enhancing and modulating thermoelectric transport in nanoscale hybrid systems. Highlighted research will include p- to n-type conversion of transport type in Tellurium nanowires, subphase alloy scattering to boost power factor in Tellurium nanowires, phase transition anomalies in Cu₂Se nanocrystal arrays, and unexpectedly low thermal conductivity in hybrid perovskite nanowires.