PhD Research Project

My Shortlist0

This project is no longer listed in the FindAPhD database
and may not be available.

Click here to view other PhD studentship opportunities at University of Manchester.

Nanostructured Thermoelectric Oxides for Energy Generation

Institution:

University of Manchester

Dept/School/Faculty:

School of Materials

PhD Supervisor:

Prof R Freer

Application Deadline:

No more applications being accepted

PhD Research Project

Click here to visit the University of Manchester website

With growing concern over the consumption of fossil fuels and resulting carbon emissions, technologies must be developed to generate energy by alternative, clean routes. In the automotive sector, for example, international directives mean that new vehicles must be more fuel efficient without increasing emissions. For a vehicle powered by a typical internal combustion engine, approximately 25% of the fuel energy is used for vehicle mobility with the rest being lost by waste heat. One possible way forward to reduce fuel consumption and generate extra power is Thermoelectric (TE) technology, involving the direct conversion of heat into electric power. This requires modules containing both n-type and p-type functional materials having good thermal-electric conversion, described in part by a high Seebeck coefficient. Many existing TE materials, including Bi2Te3 and PbTe, have modest operating temperatures (400-600K) and are toxic. In the last decade oxide thermoelectrics have emerged as promising TE candidates, particularly perovskite structure n-type and layer structured p-type materials. They have flexible structures (enabling various substitutions), high temperature stability and encouraging thermal properties. In addition the oxides are environmentally friendly.

The project will focus on perovskite structured n-type TE oxide materials and will be carried out in parallel with a project on p-type TE materials. The key to developing high performance materials is to reduce both thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity. This will be addressed by modifying the microstructure at the atomic level (nanostructuring). The project will involve ceramic preparation, determination of thermal and electrical transport behaviour, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and may involve single crystal growth. Structural integrity and mechanical properties are also important.

Funding Notes:

Funding will cover tuition fees and minimum annual maintenance payments at Research Council standard rate (currently £13,590) for UK and EU applicants. EU nationals must have lived in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the programme to be eligible for a full award (fees and stipend). EU nationals who have lived elsewhere in the EU for the 3 yearsbefore the start of the programme would be eligible for a fees-only award.

Candidates should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 degree in Materials, Physics, Chemistry, or any related physical sciences or engineering subject.

FindAPhD Scholarship available for this PhD opportunity!

We are offering nine Postgraduate Study Scholarships for students wishing to start a PhD in autumn 2013 at any European (EU) institution. Click here for more information on how to register to win a FindAPhD Scholarship.