SYMPOSIUM 37: Advances in Thermoelectrics: Bridging Theory and Application

The advancement of thermoelectric materials is essential for improving energy conversion systems across various applications by directly converting waste heat to electricity. Over the past few decades, we have observed various emerging thermoelectric materials ranging from traditional bulks to nanostructured composites and low dimensional 1D, 2D, and mixed dimensional structures. This symposium will focus on recent breakthroughs in thermoelectric materials, devices, and systems, emphasizing the integration of theoretical advancements with practical applications. Topics will include the design, synthesis, advanced manufacturing, characterization, and performance enhancement of both conventional and novel thermoelectric materials. 

Researchers are invited to present their work on advanced synthesis and manufacturing methods, characterization techniques, and theoretical modeling aimed at developing fundamental understanding of electron and phonon transport, and materials design strategies to enhance the figure of merit, zT, and improve system performance. Additionally, the symposium will explore the integration of magnetism with thermoelectric transport, including spin-Seebeck effects, magnon-drag, and magnetic field-induced thermoelectric effects in topological materials. 

The symposium will also cover fundamental methods for controlling scattering mechanisms and improving transport properties in metals and semimetals.  

Proposed Sessions/Topics  

• Design, synthesis, and advanced manufacturing of thermoelectric materials 

• Magnetism, topology, and spin transport in thermoelectrics 

• Modeling and computational approaches for thermoelectric materials 

• Charge and heat transport mechanisms in thermoelectrics 

• Devices and systems for waste heat recovery and thermal management 

• Interface, microstructure, low dimensionality, and composite approaches in thermoelectrics 

Symposium Organizer(s) 

• Sepideh Akhbarifar, The Catholic University of America, USA  

• Mona Zebarjadi, University of Virginia, USA  

• Je-Hyeong Bahk, University of Cincinnati, USA  

• Holger Kleinke, University of Waterloo, Canada  

Point(s) of Contact 

• Sepideh Akhbarifar; sepideha@vsl.cua.edu  

• Mona Zebarjadi; mz6g@virginia.edu  

• Je-Hyeong Bahk; bahkjg@ucmail.uc.edu  

• Holger Kleinke; kleinke@uwaterloo.ca 

Symposium Sponsor(s) 

• Energy Materials and Systems Division