{"id":669,"date":"2025-11-12T14:02:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T12:02:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/?p=669"},"modified":"2025-11-26T12:51:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T10:51:15","slug":"thermoelectric-generator-based-on-ultrathin-si-thin-films-design-fabrication-and-characterization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/2025\/11\/12\/thermoelectric-generator-based-on-ultrathin-si-thin-films-design-fabrication-and-characterization\/","title":{"rendered":"Thermoelectric generator based on ultrathin Si thin films. Design, fabrication and characterization"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1023\" height=\"89\" src=\"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Research-project.png\" alt=\"Research project description\" class=\"wp-image-571\" style=\"width:529px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Research-project.png 1023w, https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Research-project-300x26.png 300w, https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Research-project-768x67.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objective<\/strong><br>Develop a planar micro\u2011TEG using ultrathin (~70\u2013100\u202fnm) Si films, CMOS\u2011compatible, fabricated on Si-on-insulator (SOI) substrates, to harvest low-grade waste heat for low\u2011power applications (\u00b5W\u2013mW range).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Device Design<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Utilize SOI wafers featuring a (~70-100\u202fnm device Si layer). Pattern arrays of suspended Si membranes (tens of \u00b5m lateral dimensions) alternately doped n- and p\u2011type (e.g. phosphorus and boron at ~10^20\u202fcm\u22123), electrically in series and thermally in parallel, forming miniaturized thermocouples. Introduce nanostructure features (nanopores, phononic lattices, corrugations) to reduce thermal conductivity while preserving electrical conduction, enhancing the power factor and effective ZT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Characterization Methods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>FEM models for geometry and termal optimization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seebeck coefficient (S)<\/strong>: measured via induced voltage across arrays under controlled \u0394T.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Electrical and thermal conductivities (\u03c3, \u03ba)<\/strong>: obtained through four\u2011probe resistance measurements and thermal conductance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Performance evaluation<\/strong>: measure power output and efficiency under \u0394T in targeted ranges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reliability tests<\/strong>: assess performance under thermal cycling to evaluate mechanical and electrical stability over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Innovation &amp; Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fully CMOS\/SOI\u2011based process enables integration with microelectronics and micro\u2011sensor systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nanostructured ultrathin Si reduces \u03ba significantly, without sacrificing \u03c3, enabling improved power factor and effective ZT in Si systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use of abundant, non\u2011toxic silicon provides cost advantage over Bi\u2082Te\u2083 or PbTe materials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geometry optimization (e.g. corrugations, high-density arrays) maximizes thermocouple density and power output per area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Potential Applications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Integrated energy harvesting modules compatible with on\u2011chip deployment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recovery of heat from microelectronic components or equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Self\u2011powered IoT\/wearable sensors using ambient or body heat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1023\" height=\"89\" src=\"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Skills.png\" alt=\"Academic background \/ Skills\" class=\"wp-image-573\" style=\"width:517px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Skills.png 1023w, https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Skills-300x26.png 300w, https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Skills-768x67.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Master\u2019s degree in Physics, nanoscience and nanotechnology, Electronics\/IT Engineering (or similar);<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scientific ambition and enthusiasm, research-oriented attitude, capable of taking initiatives and with a solid problem-solving attitude; Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team, w\/ good spoken and written English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"85\" src=\"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Group-1024x85.png\" alt=\"Research group\/s description\" class=\"wp-image-574\" style=\"width:554px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Group-1024x85.png 1024w, https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Group-300x25.png 300w, https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Group-768x64.png 768w, https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/654\/2025\/11\/Group.png 1066w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MicroEnergy Sources and Sensor Integration Group (MESSI):<\/strong> MESSI develops micro\u2011energy and smart sensing devices to tackle long\u2011term challenges like \u201cHealthier Citizens\u201d and \u201cNet Zero Human Impact.\u201d The group explores environmental energy harvesting (thermoelectricity) and energy generation\/storage using micro\u2011fuel cells and biodegradable batteries, along with advanced sensor systems. A key focus is micro\u2011integrating energy sources and sensors into autonomous, self\u2011powered platforms by leveraging standard silicon technologies, rapid prototyping, and additive manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thermal Properties of Nanoscale Materials group (GTNaM<\/strong>): Affiliated also with ICN2: studies thermal properties of disordered and nanoscale materials, especially ultrathin films and low\u2011dimensional solids. They employ nanocalorimetry to investigate phase transitions in ultrathin films and 2D materials, often collaborating on size\u2011dependent effects. They also research nanoscale heat transport mechanisms involving phonons, electrons and photons to design thermoelectric harvesters and thermal sensors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-gris-pubilla-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">THESIS SUPERVISORS<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"mailto:Llibertat.abad@imb-cnm.csic.es\" data-type=\"mailto\" data-id=\"mailto:Llibertat.abad@imb-cnm.csic.es\">Libertad Abad Mu\u00f1oz<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"mailto:marc.salleras@csic.es\" data-type=\"mailto\" data-id=\"mailto:marc.salleras@csic.es\">Marc Salleras Freixes<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ACADEMIC TUTOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"mailto:aitor.lopeandia@icn2.cat\">Aitor Lopeandia Fern\u00e1ndez<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>SUBMITTING INSTITUTION \/ DEPARTMENT \/ RESEARCH CENTRE<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MicroEnergy Sources and Sensor Integration Group (MESSI). IMB-CNM-CSIC<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Group of Thermal Properties of Nanoscale Materials. Physics department. UAB<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PhD PROGRAM<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uab.cat\/en\/phds\/physics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Physics<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/application-platform\/\" style=\"border-radius:37px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(0,0,0) 0%,rgb(0,0,0) 100%)\">APPLY<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ObjectiveDevelop a planar micro\u2011TEG using ultrathin (~70\u2013100\u202fnm) Si films, CMOS\u2011compatible, fabricated on Si-on-insulator (SOI) substrates, to harvest low-grade waste heat for low\u2011power applications (\u00b5W\u2013mW range). Device Design Utilize SOI wafers featuring a (~70-100\u202fnm device Si layer). Pattern arrays of suspended Si membranes (tens of \u00b5m lateral dimensions) alternately doped n- and p\u2011type (e.g. phosphorus and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2914,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-669","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sensing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/669","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2914"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=669"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/669\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1018,"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/669\/revisions\/1018"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=669"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=669"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/webs.uab.cat\/phynest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=669"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}