Thermoelectric transport in modulation doped high mobility organic semiconductors

• Applicant: Dr. Shu-Jen Wang
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• Term: from 2021 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450922597

The development of green energy sources is of critical importance for a sustainable circular economy as the current fossil-fuel based energy resources are not only limited, but also pose ecological threats. Thermoelectric energy generation is an attractive renewable energy source that directly converts heat into electricity. Improving thermoelectric efficiency would allow wider usage and application of thermoelectric generators for waste heat harvesting where over 60 % of electricity generated is lost as heat. Organic semiconductors offer a number of advantages compared to their inorganic counterparts such as, low cost, energy efficient low temperature processing and light weight. TE-MODOSC aims at overcoming the doping efficiency limit present in conventional bulk doped organic semiconductors through modulation doping. In addition, the suppression of ionized impurity scattering in modulation doped organic semiconductors ensures optimal charge transport in host organic semiconductors, which is vital for achieving high thermoelectric energy conversion efficiency. The thermoelectric transport in modulation doped high mobility organic semiconductors and the governing factors in the modulation doping process will be explored in this project. On the other hand, thermoelectric transport parameters will also be used to assist the understanding of charge carrier transport in modulation doped high mobility organic semiconductors. This project is designed to outperform current organic thermoelectrics technologies and could enable a range of unique applications for emerging internet of things technologies such as self-powered monitors or sensors.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants