Multicomponent alloys and nitrides for tailored thermal transport and energy harvesting

Research question

The objective of this proposal is drastically reduced thermal conductivity with concomitant improvements of thermoelectric energy conversion in CrFeNi(N)- based multicomponent and high-entropy alloys and nitrides. The project aims to synthesize singlephase (Cr,An)N-based thin films (An = Fe, Ni, Mn, Mo, W, and V; n=1-4) and artificially nanolaminated CrN/(An:N). The configurational and magnetic disorder with anomalously low thermal conductivity of CrN-based materials offers the opportunity for multicomponent alloying, where numerous electronic-structure contributions combine to enhance thermoelectric properties.

Sustainability aspects

The components allow device geometries for harvesting large longitudinally applied temperature gradients (>200 ˚C) for challenging conditions with high conversion efficiency, contributing to energy efficiency (SDG 7). Further contributions to sustainable consumption (SDG 12) come from the use of abundant, recyclable raw materials, and energy-efficient synthesis. State-of-the-art ionized sputter-deposition of these materials allow nearroom- temperature synthesis with reduced heating and cooling-water usage, corresponding to >50% energy savings compared to established industrial processes.