Nanomaterials Field
Thermal Energy Materials Group

Our group focuses on developing thermoelectric materials & devices and also thermal management science & technology

Group Leader: Takao Mori

Novel principles leading to development of high performance thermoelectric materials & devices for waste heat power generation and Peltier cooling

Current Topics

Utilizing Anderson localization for TE [1]: a) Control of defect structures delocalized carriers in Mg3Sb2 achieving ZT~2 and record single leg device conversion efficiency 12.6%, b) Formation of localized states near Fermi level in ZnO led to high performance. Technology for TE modules and electrodes was also developed [2].
Fig. 1. Thermoelectric conversion efficiency of single leg device fabricated from developed Mg3Sb2-type material.

Outline of Research

Thermoelectric (TE) materials & devices represent the direct solid-state conversion of heat to electricity and vice versa. Toward carbon neutral goals and realising IoT, TE generators are expected to contribute to energy saving via waste-heat power generation, and also as stand-alone power sources for myriad sensors & devices. Our group is bringing this closer to reality by discovering novel principles for enhancing TE performance (e.g. utilizing nanostructures, defect engineering, magnetism, Anderson localization, etc.) to overcome traditional tradeoffs between electronic and thermal properties. Also developing complementary device technology (e.g. novel electrodes, fabrication methods, etc.) and thermal management technology. TE materials & devices surpassing long-time champion bismuth telluride have been achieved.

References

  1. L. Wang et al., Nature Communications, 15:6800 (2024) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51120-3
    I. Serhiienko et al., Advanced Science, 11, 2309291 (2024) DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309291.
  2. R. Chetty et al., Joule, 8, 553 (2024) DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2024.02.009.
    A. Li et al., Nature Communications, 16:1502 (2025) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56861-3.

Group members

  • Profile image
    Takao Mori
    ・Group Leader
    ・Deputy Director
    ・Field Director of Nanomaterials Field
  • Profile image
    Masahiro Goto
    ・Chief Researcher
  • Profile image
    Isao Ohkubo
    ・Principal Researcher
  • Profile image
    Naohito Tsujii
    ・Principal Researcher
  • Profile image
    Makoto Tachibana
    ・Principal Researcher
  • Profile image
    Naoki Sato
    ・Researcher
  • Profile image
    Yutaka Iwasaki
    ・Researcher

Activities

Links

 

Quantum Materials Field Nanomaterials Field Independent Researcher Satellite Principal Investigator