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Density-Functional Theory for Thermoelectric Phenomena

Objective

The development of sustainable energy sources poses a great challenge for our society. Due to the scarcity of natural resources it is of crucial importance to optimize the efficiency of our energy production. Virtually every energy generation process is accompanied with the generation of waste heat, for example in the form of plumes from power plants. Even if only part of this waste heat is transformed into useful energy the overall efficiency of energy production is increased. In recent years there has been renewed interest in thermoelectric phenomena, due to their potential impact on designing new devices capable of converting waste heat into electricity. Furthermore, it has become evident that nanoscale devices, which implement their functionality at the level of single molecules, potentially offer a much enhanced efficiency for the conversion of heat to electricity compared to bulk materials.
This project aims at providing the necessary tools to describe the efficiency of nanoscale thermoelectric devices based on their microscopic structure. To this end a density-functional theory (DFT), dubbed thermal DFT, is developed. The innovation of thermal DFT is to address charge and energy (or heat) degree of freedoms on the same footing, which is crucial for addressing thermoelectric phenomena. It will allow to predict the thermoelectric properties of molecular devices by numerical simulations. This can dramatically reduce the money and time spent in the experimental search for highly efficient thermoelectric devices by selecting materials with promising thermoelectric transport coefficients. Within this project the approximations required for a numerical implementation of the theoretical thermal DFT framework are derived. In addition, thermal DFT will be numerically implemented and benchmarked against available experimental data on the thermoelectric transport coefficients of molecular junctions.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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

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.

MSCA-IF-EF-RI - RI – Reintegration panel

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2015

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Coordinator

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 159 460,80
Address
HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany

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Region
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 159 460,80
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