Sustainable Thermoelectric Cementitious Composites through Doping Endless High-Performance Fibers for Energy Harvesting and Corrosion Detection (STEP-Fiber)

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Marco Liebscher
• Subject Area: Construction Material Sciences, Chemistry, Building Physics
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 571280223

The aim of this research project is the development of sustainable, thermoelectric LC3-based composites for autonomous energy harvesting and corrosion detection in smart infrastructure. This innovative approach is based on the use of doped, continuous carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers coated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as multifunctional reinforcements. Initially, CNTFs are specifically modified through various doping strategies to achieve p-type and n-type semiconducting behavior. In parallel, PVA fibers are hierarchically coated with differently doped rGO nanoparticles, resulting in conductive, thermally active reinforcement fibers. Subsequently, the relationship between the thermoelectric, chemical, and physical properties of these fibers will be thoroughly investigated. Another key focus is the modification of the LC3 matrix to enhance its thermoelectric performance and sensitivity to chloride ion ingress. The combination of doped fibers and a tailored matrix enables the creation of novel, dual-functional composites with improved energy output and simultaneous corrosion sensing capabilities. The integration of metal oxides into the LC3 matrix further enhances its ionic thermoelectric properties. The sensory functionality of the fibers is based on changes in electrical resistance and thermoelectric voltage due to ion diffusion or swelling of the PVA fibers upon water uptake. These changes allow for immediate detection of chloride ingress, enabling early-stage corrosion warnings. Finally, the smart composite materials will be demonstrated through newly developed thermoelectric generators and structural health monitoring systems. These will showcase the potential of this sustainable technology for energy-autonomous and durable infrastructure applications.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants