STAM-Science and Technology in Advanced Manufacturing
Parsons Building, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Current NanoEnergy & NanoManufacturing Projects
Thermoelectric performance optimization in Bi2Te3-based alloys through powder processing and microstructural engineering
Dr. Amir Pakdel
Research Staff
Ruifeng Xiong
Funding body:
TCD/CSC partnership
Description
This project addresses the need for efficient thermal energy conversion technologies by developing and optimizing thermoelectric (TE) materials capable of converting waste heat into electricity. Using Bi2Te3–based alloys, the research investigates powder-processing routes and microstructural engineering to enhance TE performance. The study explores particle refinement through ball milling, identifying key parameters that control size reduction and morphology. By tailoring the processing conditions and combining fine particle control with optimized sintering techniques, significant improvements in electrical and thermal properties are achieved. Finally, the project demonstrates a flexible TE generator (TEG) integrating Bi2Te3–based alloys within a polymer matrix, showing potential for wearable and self-powered electronic devices.
Flexible nano-thermoelectrics for body energy harvesting
Dr. Amir Pakdel
Research Staff
Saeed Masoumi
Dr. Elisabet Gomez-Gonzalez
Funding body:
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
Description
Nowadays, the large proliferation of portable and wearable electronic devices has stimulated research interests in lightweight, flexible, and sustainable energy sources. Thermoelectric generators provide the unique capability to directly convert heat to electricity. We aim to use semiconducting nanomaterials and conducting polymers for cost-effective and easy manufacturing of thermoelectric generators with 3D printing processes. Such small flexible thermoelectric devices can be attached to human skin or clothes to harvest the always-freely-available heat from our body and turn it into electricity. This electric power could continuously charge portable and wearable electronic devices with microwatt to milliwatt power levels.
Novel catalytic materials for caron dioxide utilization
Dr. Amir Pakdel
Research Staff
Dr. Anton Konopatsky
Funding body:
European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
Irish Research Council (IRC)
Description
Nowadays, the large proliferation of portable and wearable electronic devices has stimulated research interests in lightweight, flexible, and sustainable energy sources. Thermoelectric generators provide the unique capability to directly convert heat to electricity. We aim to use semiconducting nanomaterials and conducting polymers for cost-effective and easy manufacturing of thermoelectric generators with 3D printing processes. Such small flexible thermoelectric devices can be attached to human skin or clothes to harvest the always-freely-available heat from our body and turn it into electricity. This electric power could continuously charge portable and wearable electronic devices with microwatt to milliwatt power levels.
Nanomaterials-based flexible thermoelectric films, textile, and devices toward body energy harvesting and power generating clothing
Dr. Amir Pakdel
Research Staff
Dr. Myles Rooney
Funding body:
Enterprise Ireland (EI)
Description
This project will formulate functionalized inks combining conductive polymers and semiconducting nanomaterials to print flexible thermoelectric films and, ultimately, wearable generators. We will study how polymer morphology and chain structure govern charge transport in intrinsically conducting polymers, and exploit nanoparticle–polymer hybrids to enhance power factor and device efficiency. The printed generators will harvest body-heat gradients to power self-sufficient electronics, including implants and body-area-network sensors for continuous health monitoring, with data transmitted wirelessly to a phone. The programme targets patentable advances and will strengthen Ireland’s standing in thermoelectrics by establishing a scalable route to on-body energy sources and smart-textile integration.
Coordination polymer-based MXene nanocomposites for next-generation sodium-ion batteries
Dr. Amir Pakdel
Research Staff
Dr. Mohamed B. Zakaria
Funding body:
Irish Research Council (IRC)
Description
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are attracting strong interest as cost-effective and safer alternatives to lithium-ion systems, driven by the high natural abundance and low price of sodium and the safety/cost limitations of lithium-ion technologies. This project will develop new synthetic routes to produce defect-free coordination-polymer nanoflakes and nanoparticles, then hybridize them with carbon to form advanced cathode electrodes for SIBs. Recent studies indicate that coordination-polymer nanomaterials can deliver promising performance, but structural defects often cause instability and capacity loss. We will therefore design architectures with controlled shape, composition, hollow interiors, porosity, and tuneable particle size to improve stability and electrochemical properties. The resulting cathode materials are expected to enhance the efficiency and practicality of environmentally friendly sodium-ion batteries for future energy storage.