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N Type Quantum Well Films and Devices--Hi-Z Technology, Inc., 7606 Miramar Road, Suite 7400, San Diego, CA 92126-4202; 619-695-6660
Dr. Saeid Ghamaty, Principal Investigator
Mr. Norbert Elsner, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-99ER82798
Amount: $100,000
Quantum well films may more than double the efficiency of present thermoelectric modules used in remote power supplies and for converting waste heat into electricity. Two-dimensional quantum wells have been synthesized by alternating layers of B4C and B9C. Such nanostructures are being investigated as candidate thermoelectric materials with high figures of merit (Z). In this project, new compounds will be investigated to develop N-type quantum well films to mate with the P-type B4C/B9C films. This combination will dramatically increase the device efficiency of the thermoelectric at temperatures of 300°C or more. The Phase I project will identify a number of potential compounds (quantum wells with barrier materials) that can be used with B4C/B9C alloys. The B4C/B9C films will be modeled for their thermoelectric transport properties to help find a N-type equivalent material. Based on known data, Si/SiC and NdSe1.45/NdSe1.50 are candidate quantum well materials that should exhibit favorable properties. Phase II will develop the films into the N-leg of a unicouple to mate with the P-type B4C/B9C quantum wells and a power module.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The anticipated large increase in thermoelectric performance should lower the cost/watt by half and open up many more commercial opportunities for recovering waste heat from vehicles, furnaces, incinerators, fuel cells, etc.