Public defence in Inorganic Materials Chemistry, M. Sc. Sajida Kousar
When
Where
Event language(s)
Title of the thesis: Exploring Co(Sb,Ge)(S,Se,Te) and CuCr(S,Se)₂ for enhanced thermoelectric performance
Doctoral researcher: M.Sc. Sajida Kousar
Opponent: Dr. Emmanuel Guilmeau, CNRS Director of research, Laboratoire CRISMAT, France
Custos: Professori Maarit Karppinen, Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering
Optimizing thermoelectric materials for heat-to-power conversion: A study of CoSbS and CuCrS₂
In this thesis new thermoelectric materials for the conversion of heat into electricity are investigated. Development of such advanced materials is a crucial step toward sustainable energy solutions. Thermoelectric devices generate power directly from various waste heat without any byproducts or moving parts, and have great potential for applications ranging from mobile/wearable power sources to industrial waste heat recovery. However, current thermoelectric technologies often rely on rare or toxic elements, limiting their scalability and long-term use.
To address these challenges, two eco-friendly thermoelectric material systems, CoSbS and CuCrS2, composed of affordable and abundant elements were investigated. A significant finding was the unique bipolar nature of CoSbS, which simplifies the thermoelectric generator design and enhances its adaptability for various applications. Further optimization of CoSbS was achieved by incorporating a small amount of germanium, which improved electrical conductivity and reduced thermal conductivity—both crucial for improved thermoelectric efficiency. As a result, for CoSbS enhanced effectiveness in converting heat to electricity was demonstrated. For CuCrS₂, the thermal conductivity could be significantly reduced by substituting sulfur with selenium, thus making it better suited for efficient thermoelectric heat-to-power energy conversion.
These findings provide valuable insights into the future of thermoelectric technology, supporting the development of sustainable, cost-effective, and adaptable materials that can make waste heat recovery more practical and impactful. This research contributes to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promotes a more sustainable energy landscape.
→Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence
Contact information:
Sajida Kousar
[email protected]
- Published:
- Updated: