Thermoelectric Material Grain Interface Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available thermoelectric materials, particularly Mg—Si based materials, suffer from low compressive strength and fracture toughness, leading to cracking and reduced module lifetime due to brittleness, especially during manufacturing and repetitive use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating graphene-based materials and metal particles into the interfaces between grains of thermoelectric materials to enhance mechanical properties, where the graphene-based material blocks crack progression and metal particles act as a buffer against external forces, thereby improving compressive strength and fracture toughness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Mg-Si based thermoelectric materials are prepared by sintering metal powders, then thermoelectric performance is achieved, but compressive strength and fracture toughness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining Mg-Si based thermoelectric material with graphene-based materials and metal particles. The graphene-based material forms a network structure that bridges grain boundaries, while metal particles are distributed at grain interfaces, creating a composite structure that simultaneously maintains thermoelectric performance and enhances mechanical strength and fracture toughness.
2Productivity
If thermoelectric materials are used in repetitive use, then power generation and cooling functions are maintained, but cracks occur and lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating graphene-based materials and metal particles into the thermoelectric material structure before use. These additives act as buffers that absorb and distribute mechanical stresses during repetitive use, preventing crack initiation and propagation, thereby extending module lifetime while maintaining operational efficiency.
3Strength
If graphene-based material and metal particles are added to grain interfaces, then mechanical strength is improved, but material complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating graphene-based materials and metal particles specifically at grain boundaries and interfaces, rather than uniformly distributing them throughout the bulk material. This localized approach enhances mechanical strength at critical stress points while minimizing overall material complexity and maintaining bulk thermoelectric properties.
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 approach significantly enhances the mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity of thermoelectric materials, leading to improved thermoelectric performance and extended module lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the graphene-based material blocks crack progression
Implementation Method 2
metal particles act as a buffer against external forces
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of grains formed by a chemical bond between at least a first element and a second element
Implementation Method 4
A thermoelectric technology, such as thermoelectric power generation and thermoelectric cooling field, has been used to directly convert heat energy into electric energy
Implementation Method 5
A thermoelectric technology, such as thermoelectric power generation and thermoelectric cooling field, has been used to directly convert heat energy into electric energy or electric energy to heat energy
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are a thermoelectric material and a method for preparing the same. The thermoelectric material may include a plurality of grains formed by a chemical bond between a first element and a second element, a graphene-based material; and metal particles. In particular, the graphene-based material and the metal particles may be in interfaces between the grains.