More efficient conversion of heat into electricity by
tinkering with nanostructure

Thermoelectric materials convert heat into
electricity, which makes them extremely attractive for sustainable
energy production, especially given that industry can waste more
than two-thirds of its energy as heat. But mass production of
thermoelectric energy is currently limited by low-energy conversion
efficiency. Now, however, researchers Biswanath Dutta and Poulumi
Dey of TU Delft’s department of Materials Science and Engineering,
have not only been able to explain how nano-structures in
thermoelectric materials can improve energy efficiency, but also
propose a commercially attractive way to manufacture
nano-structured thermoelectric materials, increasing the chances
for mass production of thermoelectric energy. Their results were
published in Nano Energy.