thermoelectric materials innovation – Science

KRICT Innovates Easy and Scalable Method to Enhance Ag2Se Thermoelectric Performance

Denise Maddox — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:57:19 +0000

In a groundbreaking advancement poised to redefine the landscape of energy materials, researchers from Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) have unveiled an eco-friendly, high-performance thermoelectric (TE) material derived from silver selenide (Ag₂Se). Distinguished by its simple and scalable fabrication process, this novel material offers a sustainable alternative to conventional bismuth telluride-based thermoelectrics, while pushing the boundaries of thermoelectric efficiency and mechanical robustness.

Thermoelectric materials possess the unique capability to directly convert temperature differentials into electrical energy, as well as to induce heating or cooling when subjected to electrical currents. These dual phenomena, known respectively as the Seebeck and Peltier effects, have profound implications across various sectors—ranging from electronic cooling in computing hardware to harnessing waste heat in industrial and automotive processes. Despite their potential, widespread adoption has been hindered by the reliance on rare and environmentally concerning elements, complex manufacturing methodologies, and suboptimal mechanical properties.

The KRICT-led team tackled these persistent challenges head-on by focusing on silver selenide, a compound comprising relatively abundant elements. Their approach capitalizes on a solution-based synthesis process to produce Ag₂Se nanoparticles, which are subsequently enriched with an excess of selenium to form a Se-rich composition designated as Ag₂Se₁.₂. This meticulously engineered ratio pivots the structural and electrical properties of the material, enabling unprecedented thermoelectric performance.

Central to their innovation is the employment of a straightforward heat-treatment protocol at a notably mild temperature of approximately 350°C under ambient pressure conditions. Unlike conventional sintering, which demands extreme temperatures near 1000°C and high-pressure environments, this annealing step exploits the low melting point of selenium. During this phase, selenium transforms into a liquid state, permeating the interstitial spaces among Ag₂Se grains. This liquid-assisted grain growth fosters enhanced grain connectivity and densification, which are pivotal for lowering material porosity and boosting electrical conductivity.

The resultant microstructure of the synthesized Ag₂Se₁.₂ bulk exhibits substantial improvements in both electrical and thermal transport properties. Enhanced grain connectivity minimizes electron scattering, facilitating efficient charge carrier mobility, while the unique grain boundary structures contribute to scattering phonons, effectively suppressing lattice thermal conductivity. These combined effects culminate in an impressive maximum figure of merit (zT) reaching 0.927 at 393 K, a milestone approaching the benchmark set by commercial Bi₂Te₃-based materials.

Beyond thermoelectric efficiency, mechanical integrity remains a critical criterion for practical applications, especially in devices subjected to thermal cycling and mechanical stress. Impressively, the new material demonstrates more than a twofold increase in compressive strength and Young’s modulus compared to its predecessors. This newfound robustness underpins its suitability for integration into complex device geometries, including flexible and curved thermoelectric modules, expanding the horizon for wearable and portable energy-harvesting electronics.

The eco-friendly nature of the fabrication process is underscored by the elimination of rare, toxic elements and the circumvention of energy-intensive manufacturing steps. This aligns with the growing imperative to develop sustainable technologies that mitigate environmental impact while delivering high performance. The ambient pressure and relatively low-temperature annealing not only reduce production costs but also open pathways for scalable industrial adoption.

Potential applications of this high-performance Ag₂Se₁.₂ thermoelectric material span a broad spectrum. It is ideally suited for small-scale power generation systems that capitalize on waste heat from industrial plants, data centers, and concentrated solar thermal setups. Furthermore, its mechanical flexibility and stability offer promising prospects for wearable Internet of Things (IoT) devices and healthcare sensors, which require reliable and compact power sources capable of harvesting body heat or environmental temperature differentials.

This research represents a paradigm shift in thermoelectric material development, demonstrating that high performance need not be sacrificed for simplicity and environmental responsibility. The work of Dr. Young Hun Kang and colleagues exemplifies how leveraging fundamental material properties, such as phase transformations of selenium, can yield transformative results. Their strategy circumvents the customary reliance on complex doping or alloying while achieving near-commercial performance metrics.

Published in Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials, this study marks a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable and efficient energy conversion technologies. The research community anticipates that this facile and scalable fabrication method will inspire subsequent innovations in thermoelectric materials and advance their commercialization.

Looking ahead, the translation of this technology from laboratory to market could drastically enhance energy efficiency across multiple sectors by enabling effective recovery of waste heat and improving thermal management. Collaboration between academia, industry, and government will be essential to refine processing techniques, optimize device integration, and establish robust standards for widespread application. This breakthrough certainly shines a hopeful light on the future of green energy technologies.

Subject of Research: Thermoelectric materials and material synthesis techniques
Article Title: Facile and scalable strategy for fabricating dense bulk Ag2Se as a highperformance thermoelectric material
News Publication Date: 26-Jan-2026
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42114-026-01621-0
Image Credits: Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT)

Keywords

Thermoelectric materials, silver selenide, Ag₂Se, Seebeck effect, Peltier effect, energy conversion, waste heat recovery, solution-based synthesis, liquid phase annealing, mechanical robustness, eco-friendly fabrication, high-performance thermoelectrics

Developing Bio-Inspired Thermoelectric Cement for Self-Powered Architecture

Bethany Barker — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:25:20 +0000

In a groundbreaking advancement reported in the latest issue of Science Bulletin, a team spearheaded by Professor Zhou Yang from Southeast University has introduced an innovative bio-inspired thermoelectric cement. This material demonstrates an exceptional Seebeck coefficient, achieved through a sophisticated process known as interfacial selective immobilization. This method not only enhances the cement’s thermoelectric properties but also marks a significant leap forward in materials science, showcasing the potential for integrating functional polymers with traditional construction materials.

The development of this thermoelectric cement-hydrogel composite stems from nature itself, mimicking the structural design of plant stems. By employing a multilayered architecture, the researchers have engineered a composite that not only excels in thermoelectric performance but also maintains structural integrity under stress. With a Seebeck coefficient measured at an impressive −40.5 mV/K, this new composite significantly outperforms existing cement-based thermoelectric materials, surpassing previous records by factors of ten and six for the Seebeck coefficient and figure of merit (ZT), respectively.

At the core of this extraordinary performance lies the interfacial selective ion immobilization technique. The hybrid architecture combines hydrogel layers that act as highways for hydroxide ions (OH⁻) while creating robust coordination bonds with calcium ions (Ca²⁺) at the cement-hydrogel interfaces. This strategic manipulation allows for the selective immobilization of ions, resulting in a pronounced disparity in diffusion rates between Ca²⁺ and OH⁻. Such selective ion transport is crucial for thermoelectric applications, where efficiency in generating electrical energy from temperature differentials is paramount.

Moreover, the engineered multilayer structure contributes not only to the thermoelectric capability but also enhances the mechanical strength and energy storage potential of the composite. This dual functionality positions the new cement-hydrogel hybrid as a versatile candidate for energy harvesting and storage systems. The ability to simultaneously capture and store energy opens up new avenues for powering electronic devices situated in smart infrastructure, including sensors and wireless communication nodes embedded within intelligent buildings or advanced pavement systems.

In practical applications, the implications of this innovative material are profound. The continuous power supply provided by the composite could significantly enhance the functionality of a variety of electronic devices, particularly in scenarios where traditional power sources are impractical or unsustainable. This advancement could pave the way for smarter cities, where infrastructure not only serves as a physical framework but also as an active participant in energy management and sustainability efforts.

The work was made possible through funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, indicating a strong commitment to fostering research and development in advanced material sciences. This study underscores the importance of collaborative efforts and financial investment in the pursuit of innovative solutions to contemporary challenges in energy and materials science.

In conclusion, Professor Zhou Yang and his team have succeeded in creating a bio-inspired thermoelectric cement that not only showcases remarkable properties but also embodies the marriage of nature and technology. As the research community eagerly anticipates further developments and potential real-world applications of this advanced material, it is clear that foundational shifts in the way we consider construction materials and energy harvesting technologies are on the horizon. The broader impact of such innovations could manifest in the evolution of energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure, contributing to global sustainability efforts.

The research showcases the influence of biomimicry in engineering and materials science, emphasizing how insights from nature can lead to revolutionary advancements in technology. As the scientific community begins to explore and commercialize this innovative approach to cement, the possibilities for application are nearly limitless. The journey from laboratory research to practical implementation is fraught with challenges, yet the potential rewards of integrating such advanced materials into our infrastructure are too significant to ignore.

Ultimately, the research led by Professor Yang represents a substantial leap toward realizing fully sustainable buildings capable of harnessing and storing energy from the environment. Scientists and engineers alike will undoubtedly be watching closely as this technology progresses from theoretical studies to practical applications that may redefine our understanding of construction material properties.

The fusion of biology and technology exemplified in this thermoelectric cement signifies a future where materials are not merely passive entities but active contributors to the energy landscape. With ongoing advancements in material science and engineering, we are on the cusp of a new era where innovation leads to practical solutions for some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

As we look toward the future, developments such as these highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in research. By bridging gaps between biology, chemistry, and engineering, researchers can unlock new pathways for creating sustainable materials that benefit society as a whole.

Subject of Research: Bio-inspired thermoelectric cement
Article Title: Team Develops Bio-inspired Thermoelectric Cement with High Efficiency
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2025.03.032
References: Science Bulletin
Image Credits: ©Science China Press

Keywords

Bio-inspired materials, Thermoelectric cement, Energy harvesting, Multilayer composite, Sustainability, Materials science, Interfacial selective ion immobilization, Smart buildings, Innovative technology.