IN-PERSON EVENT - REGISTER HERE to attend
By Prof. Maria Ibañez, Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
Abstract:
Thermoelectric materials and nanocrystals are governed not only by composition, but by how structure, defects, and interfaces evolve across length scales. In this talk, I show how solution-based nanocrystal chemistry offers a unifying framework to control these features, bridging fundamental nanoscale behaviour and functional bulk devices.
In the first part, I will discuss our advances in solution-derived thermoelectric materials, in which well-defined nanocrystals serve as precursors to deliberately program defect formation during consolidation. By controlling surface chemistry and reactivity in the liquid phase, we access stoichiometries, interfaces, and microstructures that are difficult or impossible to obtain through conventional solid-state routes. I will show how this approach enables defect engineering in bulk thermoelectrics, nanocomposites, and additive-manufactured architectures, culminating in printed thermoelectric devices with performance comparable to state-of-the-art bulk materials.
In the second part, I will turn to more fundamental questions in nanocrystal science, focusing on how nanocrystals transform, interact, and assemble. I will highlight our work on heterostructure stability under external stimuli and on depletion-driven assembly as a chemically programmable route to ordered nanocrystal lattices. Together, these studies aim to establish predictive principles for nanocrystal evolution and collective behaviour, and to translate them into functional materials.
Brief Bio:
Inorganic Materials from Nano to Macro Scales
Understanding structure-property relationships, as well as the development of materials for target applications, is limited by our ability to control the defects at multi-length scales. One potential solution investigated by the Ibáñez group is through the use of nanoparticle (NP)-based precursors. These undergo predictable transformations into polycrystalline solids dictated by the specific, tunable features of the nanoparticle’s inorganic core, the surrounding surface species, and the NP array configuration.
In particular, the Ibáñez group works on developing new synthetic methods for complex nanocrystals, unravels the role of native or post-synthetically added surface species, and investigates means for their organization. With the idea to carefully engineer the NP-based precursor to produce macroscopic solids with targeted features, the group also explores the chemical transformations involved in the process.
Broadening the use of NP-based precursors, the group also aims to provide high-efficiency, cost-effective thermoelectric materials. To accelerate the discovery and optimization of thermoelectric materials, we built the Werner Siemens Thermoelectric Laboratory, where we employ high-throughput methods.
Werner Siemens Thermoelectric Laboratory
The Werner Siemens Thermoelectric Laboratory is dedicated to developing high-performance thermoelectric materials that can efficiently convert heat into electricity and vice versa. Existing materials are often limited by high costs, toxicity, and low efficiency. To overcome these challenges, we employ innovative solution-processed methods using nanoparticles, guided by high-throughput (HTP) experimentation, machine learning, and atomistic simulations. Our primary objective is to create cost-effective thermoelectric materials for a wide range of applications, including the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless sensors, and waste heat recovery.
Our approach is unique in that it explores a high-dimensional search space of material possibilities, accelerating the discovery process far beyond conventional methods. By integrating computational predictions and data-driven techniques, we aim to uncover materials with unprecedented performance.
Hosted by Dr Neus G. Bastús, Group Leader at Inorganic Nanoparticles Group