Project Aim and Progress
TRANSLATE developed and validated a proof-of-concept method to convert low-grade heat into electrical energy using ionic transport and thermovoltage generation in nanoconfined electrolytes, with a long-term plan to integrate heat harvesting with electrochemical energy storage for ultra-low-power applications. The project started in June 2021 and was successfully completed on 30 November 2025. Technology maturity advanced from TRL 1-2 during the first reporting period to TRL 3 (lab proof-of-concept) by RP2 for key elements, particularly thermovoltage generation from electrolyte-infiltrated nanochannel membranes.
Work Performed and Main Results
Research in WP1 concentrated on modelling thermally driven transport in nanochannels to support parameter screening and experimental guidance. It identified conditions where confinement and surface charge enhance the thermoelectric response. Iterative modelling and experimental feedback established milestones and guided decisions on channel geometry and fabrication aims.
WP2 established the experimental foundation by developing and refining nanochannel platforms, particularly anodised aluminium oxide (AAO), and by setting up reliable functionalisation and infiltration methods. In RP2, UL produced 245 AAO membranes using different anodisation techniques, with pore sizes of 20-40 nm and thicknesses up to approximately 120 μm, allowing for systematic investigation and benchmarking.
A significant accomplishment in WP2 was demonstrating that adjusting surface charge and membrane chemistry can improve thermoelectric performance. For example, TMSDA-functionalised cellulose (stacked configuration, electrolyte-infiltrated) produced an average thermovoltage of -12.8 ± 1.76 mV/K under a 10 K temperature difference and achieved a power factor of 24.7 ± 0.46 μW/m K2, demonstrating the advantages of higher fixed-charge density and surface-conductivity-driven transport.
WP3 integrated thermally driven ion transport with electrode processes and energy storage. It developed stable measurement cells with improved sealing and assembly to minimise flow and drift. The choice of electrode could significantly enhance thermoelectric output; for example, Na-ion phosphate electrodes achieved approximately 180 mV at ΔT ≈ 8 K, with an ionic Seebeck coefficient of 23.0 ± 0.3 mV/K (compared with ~150 mV and 16.5 ± 0.5 mV/K for Pt). WP3 also explored energy harvesting and storage in “battery-like” modes. Silica aerogel devices with intercalation electrodes achieved approximately 120 mF/cm2, supporting integrated energy harvesting and storage.
Exploitation of Results (IP, Translation and External Engagement)
Exploitation planning started early, focusing on practical applications such as waste-heat recovery and sensor power. By RP2, the project identified results with potential for intellectual property, including data on nanochannel surface charge tuning, electrolyte infiltration, thermoelectric methods, cell design, low-voltage electrodes, and nanochannel gate electrodes for high thermovoltages. Two invention disclosures related to the project were submitted by UCC.
Dissemination, Communication and Open Science
Dissemination and communication were organised via a Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication (DEC) Plan submitted in November 2021 and regularly updated; the latest version reported in RP3 is V8 (June 2025). By the end of RP3, dissemination and communication KPIs were met or exceeded, including 31 conference presentations, 580 social media followers, 59 blog posts, 24 videos, and 16 outreach activities. Open science was adopted through a Data Management Plan initially delivered in November 2021 and revised during the project, balancing open sharing with the need to protect IP-relevant results.
Overall Conclusion
TRANSLATE developed a proof-of-concept pipeline for nanochannel design, fabrication, and functionalisation of nanofluidic platforms and demonstrated significant ionic thermopower and thermovoltage, with performance improved by intercalation electrodes and integrated device designs. These findings were supported by structured exploitation planning, including IP candidates and invention disclosures, as well as consistent dissemination and outreach efforts.
