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Faculty
and Student Teams Program |
Project Descriptions
Brookhaven
National Laboratory
Crystal Growth and Transport Measurements of Cobalt-Oxide Thermoelectric Materials
Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Science Department
Requesting applications from condensed matter physics or material science faculty members at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and technology, to work on crystal growth and transport measurements of cobalt-oxide thermoelectric materials.
Project Description
Over the past decade, there has been a new sense of urgency in the field of renewable energy and thermoelectric systems. There is growing economic, social, and environmental pressure to reduce our nation’s dependence on fossil fuels and to reduce greenhouse gas emission. The main goal of this project will be to increase our understanding of a new class of oxide thermoelectric materials. The experimental tools that are available at Brookhaven National Laboratory for this work include crystal growth facilities, transport measurements and transmission electron microscopy.
Over the summer it is expected that the furnaces and equipment for making and characterizing these cobalt-oxide thermoelectric materials will be available and the experiments will include the following:
- Growth of single crystals and thin films of cobalt-oxide thermoelectric materials. The single crystals will be grown using a flux method while the thin films will be made using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique.
- The crystal structure of the samples will be characterized by X-ray diffraction method and the facilities at the National Synchrotron Light Source will be used when necessary.
- Transport measurements of the samples will be carried out in a Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) as a function of temperature and magnetic field: these will include resistivity measurements and Seeback coefficient measurements.
- Nano-scale properties of these layered cobalt-oxide materials are important. Transmission electron microscopy studies will be performed when needed.
The students and faculty participating in this project would be involved with all aspect of the work listed above: including sample preparation, data collection and data analysis. Continued interaction between the FaST and BNL scientists during the regular academic semesters is highly desired.
Applicants Responsibilities
and Relationship to Project
Applicants will receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty Student Team Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively with the project research team at BNL for up to 10 weeks during the year starting in June of 2009. Summer and academic year visits to BNL will be scheduled by mutual agreement between staff in the Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Science Department of and the successful applicant. Faculty will be expected to identify students from their campus to participate in the FaST program offered by the Department of Energy at BNL. Faculty will provide some mentorship and/or advising support to students during the summer research activities. It is expected that the Faculty member will become an integral part of the research team working on this project and will support the project through the academic year on her or his campus.
Qualifications of Ideal Candidate
| Faculty: | Ph.D. in Physics with experience in the studies of thermoelectric materials and related subjects. Works well in a collaborative environment with students and other researchers. Currently teaches and collaborates with students in his/her field. Possesses good written and verbal communication skills. Willing to work at BNL for an extended period during the summer. |
| Student: |
Working towards a BS in engineering or BA in science with an emphasis on transport problems on the thermoelectric materials. Works well in collaboration with faculty, other students, and researchers. Possesses good written and verbal communication skills. Willing to work at BNL for an extended period. |
Support
and Financial Commitments See Financial
Information.
For More Information contact:
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