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Nanostructures for energy harvesting and green applications

Nanostructures have been proved to be pioneers in the field of energy harvesting and green technological applications. We use computational tools to explore the magnetic-thermo-electric properties of the studied structures.

1. Magneto-thermo-electric properties of ionic liquid based ferrofluids 

Our group in the period (1/1/2017-30/6/2021) was participating in the H2020 FET Proactive project MAGENTA (MAGnetic nanoparticle based liquid ENergy materials for Thermoelectric device Applications) aiming at  the development of novel thermoelectric materials for waste-heat recovery applications based on ionic ferrofluids (IL-FFs), that are versatile, and cost-effective systems. The originality of the project was based on the newly discovered thermal-to-electric energy conversion capacity of ionic-liquids based ferrofluids. In the framework of this project our group predicted optimal material conditions to enhance thermoelectric efficiency and deciphered the physical origins of thermoelectric/magnetic and thermo-diffusion phenomena in IL-FFs. We will continue our studies by investigating the thermal efficiency of the new generation of IL-FFs.

Selected Publications 



2. Nano/micro magnetic structures for reusable mask patterning

Our group starting on the 1st of March 2022 participates in the HORIZON EUROPE (EIC Pathfinder) funded project REMAP (Reusable Mask Patterning). In 4 years REMAP making use of remotely (magnetically) controlled masking is aiming to create the first  reusable mask-based patterning technology by conferring plating functionality to a magnetoresponsive fluid  (MRf/MRE). This crucial modification frees the system from the reliance on conventional lithography for turning masks into patterns. By virtue of its waste prevention design REMAP will enable the addition or subtraction of just the right amount of material needed to obtain a desired surface pattern, setting the future standards of resource efficiency in microfabrication. Our group  has led the modelling of the new magnetorheological behaviour and has proceeded in  generating a holistic multiscale model with predictive power, able to inform experimental choices.  Up to now our results have elaborated the experimental results for the optimization of the ionic liquids based MREs and of the field gradients. By developing Finite Element Analysis codes, we have also assisted in the development of the remote magnetic controllers in the project.

Selected Publications 


3. Novel perovskites for energy harvesting (Mixed-halide Cs2SnI3Br3, defected Cs2SnX6)

Defect perovskites Cs2SnX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) and mixed-ion perovskite Cs2SnI3Br3  are studied as a non-toxic alternative to hybrid organic−inorganic CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite compound which yields efficiencies close to 20% in solar cells.

Selected Publications

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