Project description
Phase change materials to boost heat dissipation in nanoelectronics
Electronics are becoming smaller and more powerful, yet managing the heat they generate remains critical. Funded by the European Innovation Council, the SPARK-e project aims to tackle this issue by focusing on innovative materials called solid-to-solid phase-change materials (PCMs). These materials can absorb and store large amounts of heat during phase transitions, making them ideal for advanced thermal management. Researchers will develop thermal switches to control heat flow, and energy-harvesting systems that turn heat into electricity. By combining experiments and simulations, SPARK-e will bridge the gap between nanoscale heat behaviour and real-world applications. Targeting technology readiness level 4, SPARK-e aims to enhance heat dissipation and reduce energy consumption in nanoelectronic devices.
Objective
As electronic devices become more powerful and densely integrated, poor heat dissipation leads to overheating, compromising both efficiency and reliability. In applications where energy efficiency, compactness, and silent operation are essential—such as smart edge devices—passive thermal management is often preferred over active cooling. Traditional passive cooling methods include thermal interface materials, heat sinks, and more recently, solid-to-liquid phase change materials (PCMs).
At smaller scales, solid-state thermal control devices are emerging as promising alternatives for enhanced thermal management. These materials differ from conventional passive solutions due to their sharply nonlinear thermal properties, which vary with direction and operating temperature. This unique behavior enables more efficient heat dissipation, improving circuit performance and energy conversion beyond traditional capabilities.
SPARK-e will explore a selected set of solid-to-solid PCMs for: a) passive thermal management, pioneering the use of solid-to-solid PCMs; b) developing new solid-state thermal control devices, including innovative covalent organic frameworks as thermal switches; and c) energy harvesting, by using multifunctional PCMs that can store heat and convert it into electrical energy through pyroelectric effects.
Experimental efforts will be supported by a simulation framework to describe how nanoscale physical properties translate into heat generation and dissipation rates within single electronic nanodevices, as well as micro and macro packages.
The project will involve 10 partners from 7 EU countries, including universities, research centers, and technology suppliers, collaborating over 48 months across 12 work packages. Targeting Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL4), SPARK-e aims to address the critical challenges of enhancing heat dissipation and reducing energy consumption in nanoelectronic devices.
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Keywords
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
06071 BADAJOZ
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.