Thermoelectric Material Quantum Network Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermoelectric materials struggle to achieve high dimensionless performance index ZT, which is crucial for improving conversion efficiency, due to insufficient quantum effects and conductivity issues related to nanoparticle size and spacing.

Innovation Solution

A thermoelectric material with a quantum network structure is developed, where nanoparticles of specific sizes (0.1 nm to 5 nm) and interparticle distances (0.1 nm to 3 nm) are controlled, aligning the direction of quantization with carrier transport, and a composition of 0.01% to 2.0% of a second material is used to enhance the Seebeck coefficient and conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If nanoparticles are formed in thermoelectric material, then quantum effects are enhanced and Seebeck coefficient is improved, but nanoparticle size and spacing control is insufficient leading to conductivity issues

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSeebeck coefficientVSAvoidnanoparticle size and spacing control

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the thermoelectric material into a composite structure containing dispersed nanoparticles within a matrix material. This segmentation creates quantum confinement effects in the nanoparticle phase while maintaining conductivity pathways in the matrix phase, resolving the contradiction between enhancing Seebeck coefficient through quantum effects and maintaining adequate conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically optimizes critical parameters including nanoparticle size (controlling quantum confinement), interparticle distance (affecting carrier transport), and composition ratios (balancing phase distribution). By precisely controlling these parameters, the patent achieves both enhanced Seebeck coefficient and maintained conductivity, overcoming the manufacturing precision limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If dimension of carriers is lowered to enhance quantum effects, then conversion efficiency is improved, but thermoelectric performance index ZT remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoiddimensionless performance index ZT

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite material system consisting of nanoparticle phase and matrix phase with distinct functional roles. The nanoparticle phase provides quantum confinement for enhanced Seebeck coefficient, while the matrix phase ensures conductivity and structural stability. This composite approach achieves high conversion efficiency while maintaining sufficient overall thermoelectric performance index ZT.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different properties: nanoparticle-rich regions provide quantum effects for high Seebeck coefficient, while matrix-dominated regions provide conductivity pathways. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous optimization of conversion efficiency and overall thermoelectric performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If phonon scattering is increased to improve thermoelectric characteristics, then thermal conductivity is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermoelectric characteristicsVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes self-service by employing a single-step sintering process that simultaneously achieves nanoparticle formation, phase distribution, and phonon scattering optimization. The compositional design enables spontaneous nanoparticle precipitation during sintering without requiring additional processing steps, thereby improving thermoelectric characteristics while keeping manufacturing relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach effectively increases the dimensionless performance index ZT, leading to improved thermoelectric characteristics and efficiency in converting temperature differences to electric energy.

Implementation Method 1

This invention relates to a thermoelectric material constituted of nanostructures and a thermoelectric element and an optical sensor including the same

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10944037B2Thermoelectric material, thermoelectric element, optical sensor, and method for manufacturing thermoelectric material

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

This invention relates to a thermoelectric material constituted of nanostructures and a thermoelectric element and an optical sensor including the same, as well as to a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric material constituted of nanostructures. An object of the present disclosure is to achieve better thermoelectric characteristics of the thermoelectric material containing nanoparticles. The thermoelectric material includes a first material having a band gap and a second material different from the first material. The thermoelectric material contains a plurality of nanoparticles distributed in a base material which is a mixture of the first material and the second material. A composition of the second material in the thermoelectric material is not lower than 0.01 atomic % and not higher than 2.0 atomic % of the thermoelectric material.