2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Thermal Management and Energy-Efficient Technologies

This project is a multidisciplinary initiative at the frontier of energy efficiency and information technology, focusing on thermal management and energy harvesting in low-dimensional materials. It addresses the growing demand for innovative solutions that overcome the limitations of conventional silicon-based devices, which face severe thermal bottlenecks in advanced architectures. The doctoral research will target thermal transport and energy conversion in 2D semiconductors, particularly transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Optothermal and frequency-domain electrical methods will be refined to measure thermal conductivity in ultrathin layers with unprecedented sensitivity. In parallel, the project will investigate light–matter interactions in these systems, aiming to uncover photothermoelectric effects (photo-Seebeck) and clarify the role of photocarriers in modulating Seebeck response under strong thermal gradients. To enable such studies, micro- and nanofabricated devices will be developed using clean-room facilities at ICN2, integrating advanced architectures at the nanoscale. The experimental program will rely on cutting-edge tools, including Raman spectroscopy, frequency-domain thermoreflectance, and nanoscale electrothermal techniques. These approaches will address fundamental questions about heat flow, such as the limits of Fourier’s law at nanometric scales, the magnitude and control of interfacial resistance, and the tunability of in-plane conductivity in bilayer TMDs by twist-angle engineering.

Beyond fundamental understanding, the project will contribute to new strategies for chip cooling and power management, while opening pathways for efficient energy harvesting and optoelectronic conversion. By bridging nanoscale heat transport with functional device concepts, the research aims to position 2D materials as central players in energy-efficient, multifunctional technologies for next-generation information processing.

The candidate must have a strong background in materials science and solid-state physics, ideally with knowledge of advanced and 2D materials. Experience or strong interest in materials characterization, including structural, optothermal, electrothermal and thermoelectric techniques, is highly valued. Familiarity with clean-room fabrication, Raman spectroscopy, thermoreflectance or related methods will be considered an advantage. Proficiency in instrumentation, data analysis, basic modelling and scientific communication is required to design experiments, interpret results and disseminate findings. Curiosity, adaptability, initiative and problem-solving skills are essential to explore nanoscale heat transport, energy conversion and light–matter interactions beyond established models. The project demands independent learning and effective collaboration in a multidisciplinary environment where new methods must be developed to advance energy-efficient technologies.

GTNaM investigates thermal, electrical, and thermoelectric properties of materials across thin films, nanowires, 2D systems, and nanostructures, with a strong focus on nanoscale heat transport and energy conversion. We design, synthesize, and characterize advanced materials with tailored functionalities, exploiting structural control at the atomic and nanometric level to engineer enhanced thermal and electronic performance. Our research spans organic and inorganic systems, including semiconductors, 2D and amorphous materials, using both custom-built instrumentation and state-of-the-art facilities. A central theme is understanding and exploiting non-classical heat flow and light–matter interactions in low-dimensional systems to unlock new functionalities, from efficient on-chip cooling to energy harvesting and sensing. Sustainability and energy efficiency guide our research, bridging fundamental physics with applied technologies for next-generation information processing.