Phd Research Position: Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting With Responsive Metamaterial Surfaces

The Cluster of Excellence livMatS develops completely novel, bioinspired materials systems that adapt autonomously to various environments and harvest clean energy from their surroundings. The intention of these purely technical – yet in a behavioral sense quasi-living – materials systems is to meet the demands of humans with regard to pioneering environmental and energy technologies. The societal relevance of autonomous systems and their sustainability will thus play an important role in their development. The research program of livMatS is characterized by highly interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers from a broad range of fields including engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, psychology, the humanities, and sustainability sciences.

Project description

The livMatS project “Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting with Responsive Metamaterial Surfaces – ThermoMetaS” aims to develop a 3D printable self-contained metamaterial system capable of harvesting thermal energy from its surroundings and acting autonomously to external temperature changes by altering its shape. The project is focused on development, implementation and miniaturization of thermal energy harvesters as actors. In a previous project (ThermoBatS), micro-thermoelectric generators (μTEG) with phase change materials (PCMs) as thermal buffers in the form of PCM-μTEG-PCM stacks have been developed mostly for energy harvesting purposes.

The ThermoMetaS projects focuses on using these existing systems as mechanical actuators, both under natural temperature changes and actively controlled by using the µTEG as a Peltier device. For the device fabrication, techniques like high energy ball milling, dispenser printing, spin coating, uni-axial hot pressing and laser micro-structuring are used. In collaboration with another project partner, methods for 3D printing of PCMs as well as electrical connections and even thermoelectric materials will be developed. The tasks in the ThermoMetaS project will involve:

• Development of a thermoelectric harvester based on PCMs and our previous work

• Development and implementation of a PCM-based actuator system

• Implementation of 3D printing into the fabrication process

The final goal of the project, is to develop technology demonstrators among the project partners, to showcase mechanical actuation and storage concepts, e.g. a system with an integrated ratcheting mechanism to store mechanical energy.

Expected candidate profile

The ThermoMetaS project poses challenges in the fields of microsystems and electrical engineering as well as chemistry and physics, which have to be meet by one candidate working mostly independent on the topic. Supervision and guidance will be provided by experts from the respective fields but the applicant will be the link between the different areas. The candidate is therefore required to have a strong background in either micro systems engineering, physics or chemistry AND to have a strong interest in training him- or herself in the other fields as necessary for the project. Prior knowledge in the fields:

• Thermoelectrics and thermal energy harvesters (theory, materials, fabrication of TEGs)

• Fabrication technologies (3D printing, ball milling, screen and dispenser printing)

• Phase change materials (composition, encapsulation, PCM actuators or wax motors)

are not strictly required, but will be highly beneficial. The candidate will work on his / her topic in a community lab space in close collaboration with other team members, with similar topics. Therefore, very good written and spoken English skills as well as communication skills and the ability to work in a team are required for this position. Spoken German skills would be preferred, but are not mandatory. The project will start as soon as possible in the beginning of 2023.

Please hand in:

• Letter of intent detailing why you are interested in this specific project and how your previous research qualifies you for the project as well as your expected availability (up to 1,500 words)

• Curriculum Vitae with list of publications (if applicable)

• Certified copies of your university degree(s) with grades (BA and MA certificate / Diploma certificate and transcript)

• Short summary of your master’s thesis (up to 1,000 words)

• Work sample (chapter from recent thesis or journal article, up to 5,000 words)

• Suggestion of two referees with contact details

Your documents will not be returned after the application process. For this reason, please submit copies only. This position is limited to 36 months. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L E13. We are particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00002594, Application deadline is 15 November 2022. Application is to be emailed as ONE SINGLE PDF FILE to positions@livmats.uni-freiburg.de.

Direct all scientific questions about the project to Dr. Uwe Pelz