Domed Graphite Structure for Thermoelectric Performance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermoelectric conversion materials face a challenge in simultaneously achieving high electric conductivity and low heat conductivity, which are conflicting properties, resulting in insufficient performance index ZT.

Innovation Solution

A graphite structure with a domed graphite configuration is developed, where the graphite domains are curved and connected, allowing for high electric conductivity while phonon scattering at interfaces reduces heat conductivity, achieving a balance between the two.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the material is nanostructured to scatter phonons at interfaces, then heat conductivity is lowered, but electric conductivity is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovenanostructureVSAvoidelectric conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The graphite structure is divided into multiple crystalline domains with different orientations, creating interfaces that scatter phonons while maintaining electron transport pathways. This segmentation reduces heat conductivity through phonon scattering at domain boundaries while preserving electric conductivity through aligned graphene sheet structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the graphite structure have different crystalline orientations and domain sizes, creating local variations in properties. The structure combines regions with high electron mobility (for electric conductivity) with regions having optimized phonon scattering (for low heat conductivity), achieving simultaneous optimization of both properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the material is made with high electric conductivity, then electric conductivity is improved, but heat conductivity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric conductivityVSAvoidheat conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The graphite structure functions as a composite material with multiple crystalline domains of different orientations. This composite structure allows electrons to travel efficiently through aligned domains (maintaining high electric conductivity) while phonons are scattered at the interfaces between domains with different orientations (reducing heat conductivity).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The graphite structure enables the creation of high-performance thermoelectric elements with a high performance index ZT, suitable for efficient thermoelectric conversion.

Implementation Method 1

the graphite domains are curved and connected, allowing for high electric conductivity while phonon scattering at interfaces reduces heat conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhonon scattering:

Implementation Method 2

the graphite domains are curved and connected, allowing for high electric conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2444371B1Graphite structure

Publication Date: 2019.02.20 FUJITSU LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

In regard to a graphite structure and an electronic component including the graphite structure, the graphite structure includes a plurality of domains of graphite where a layer body of graphene sheets is curved in domelike, wherein the plurality of domains are arranged in plane, and the domains adjacent each other are in contact with each other.