Periodic Reporting for period 2 - TRANSLATE (The Recycling of waste heat through the Application of Nanofluidic ChannelS: Advances in the Conversion of Thermal to Electrical energy)
Período documentado: 2022-06-01 hasta 2023-11-30
Today's pressing challenges include rising energy consumption, resource depletion, climate change, and worsening air quality. Yet, wasted heat, comprising 70% of daily energy production, remains an untapped resource. While technologies exist to convert this heat into electricity, sustainable and efficient solutions for low-grade waste heat are lacking. Thus, there is a need for an energy harvesting technology that surpasses current efficiency standards and employs abundant materials.
TRANSLATE aims to create a nanofluidic platform for efficient energy harvesting and storage by leveraging ion flux in nanochannels. Its targets include optimising ion movement, developing sustainable heat-to-electricity conversion, and creating a continuous energy harvesting source. Success could mitigate energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions globally, enhancing quality of life and societal well-being.
TRANSLATE aims to create a nanofluidic platform for efficient energy harvesting and storage by leveraging ion flux in nanochannels. Its targets include optimising ion movement, developing sustainable heat-to-electricity conversion, and creating a continuous energy harvesting source. Success could mitigate energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions globally, enhancing quality of life and societal well-being.
Objective 1.1: Formulating tailor-made simulation models for thermally-induced transport in nanofluidic channels.
Developed tailor-made simulation models for thermally-induced transport in nanofluidic channels, validated against analytical solutions. Simulations have included ion crowding, charge carrier generation and channel interactions.
Objective 1.2: Understanding the key physical effects governing energy conversion.
Expanded our understanding of key physical effects governing energy conversion, including thermoelectricity in ionic liquids and ion hopping over potential barriers.
Objective 1.3: Formulating design guidelines for nanofluidic channels for energy harvesting.
Formulated design guidelines for nanofluidic channels, evaluating membrane configurations and electrolyte parameters.
Objective 2.1: Development of a functionalised nanochannel platform based on optimal design.
Developed functionalised nanochannel platforms using commercial and sustainable membranes, modified with organic ligands.
Objective 2.2: Integration of electrode and infiltration of electrolyte to fabricate nanofluidic energy harvester.
Integrated electrodes and electrolytes into nanochannels for energy harvesting, focusing on surface charge density measurements.
Objective 2.3: Thermoelectric, electrical and structural characterisation of nanofluidic device.
Characterised the thermoelectric and structural properties of nanofluidic devices, optimising anodised alumimium oxide (AAO) and cellulose membranes for ionic thermoelectric devices.
Objective 3.1: Synthesis and structural characterisation of electrode materials.
Synthesised and characterised electrode materials, including Li and Na-ion electrodes, NiCoSe, porous graphite, and sodium iron phosphate electrodes.
Objective 3.2: Initial electrochemical testing, under thermal gradient, of intercalation-based cells for suitable electrolyte determination.
Performed initial electrochemical testing of cells for suitable electrolyte determination.
Objective 3.3: Systematic investigation of electrolyte salt, solvents and additives.
Investigated electrolyte compositions for AAO membranes, focusing on long-term stability with Na2SO4 solution.
Objective 3.4: Detailed electrochemical characterisation of nanofluidic battery-like energy harvesting storage devices, based on the optimal design.
Conducted detailed electrochemical characterisation of nanofluidic battery-like devices, optimising nanochannel stacking methods for increased voltage output.
Objective 4.1: Support the widest dissemination of the project’s results and to lay the foundations for new interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research directions.
Disseminated project results widely through a dissemination, exploitation and communication (DEC) plan, targeting scientific communities and expanding outreach efforts.
Objective 4.2: Foster an active and dynamic information network among consortium members, by creating a clear Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication (DEC) Plan.
Fostered an active DEC network, outlining objectives and reviewing Key Performance Indicators at monthly meetings.
Objective 4.3: Facilitate collaboration and information exchange between different organisations involved in the debate on climate change.
Engaged with climate-focused organisations and events to facilitate collaboration and information exchange.
Objective 4.4: Liaise and build up a community of stakeholders (companies, end-users of the technology) to further develop and commercialise the technology.
Expanded stakeholder community via social media and events, increasing engagement and outreach efforts.
Developed tailor-made simulation models for thermally-induced transport in nanofluidic channels, validated against analytical solutions. Simulations have included ion crowding, charge carrier generation and channel interactions.
Objective 1.2: Understanding the key physical effects governing energy conversion.
Expanded our understanding of key physical effects governing energy conversion, including thermoelectricity in ionic liquids and ion hopping over potential barriers.
Objective 1.3: Formulating design guidelines for nanofluidic channels for energy harvesting.
Formulated design guidelines for nanofluidic channels, evaluating membrane configurations and electrolyte parameters.
Objective 2.1: Development of a functionalised nanochannel platform based on optimal design.
Developed functionalised nanochannel platforms using commercial and sustainable membranes, modified with organic ligands.
Objective 2.2: Integration of electrode and infiltration of electrolyte to fabricate nanofluidic energy harvester.
Integrated electrodes and electrolytes into nanochannels for energy harvesting, focusing on surface charge density measurements.
Objective 2.3: Thermoelectric, electrical and structural characterisation of nanofluidic device.
Characterised the thermoelectric and structural properties of nanofluidic devices, optimising anodised alumimium oxide (AAO) and cellulose membranes for ionic thermoelectric devices.
Objective 3.1: Synthesis and structural characterisation of electrode materials.
Synthesised and characterised electrode materials, including Li and Na-ion electrodes, NiCoSe, porous graphite, and sodium iron phosphate electrodes.
Objective 3.2: Initial electrochemical testing, under thermal gradient, of intercalation-based cells for suitable electrolyte determination.
Performed initial electrochemical testing of cells for suitable electrolyte determination.
Objective 3.3: Systematic investigation of electrolyte salt, solvents and additives.
Investigated electrolyte compositions for AAO membranes, focusing on long-term stability with Na2SO4 solution.
Objective 3.4: Detailed electrochemical characterisation of nanofluidic battery-like energy harvesting storage devices, based on the optimal design.
Conducted detailed electrochemical characterisation of nanofluidic battery-like devices, optimising nanochannel stacking methods for increased voltage output.
Objective 4.1: Support the widest dissemination of the project’s results and to lay the foundations for new interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research directions.
Disseminated project results widely through a dissemination, exploitation and communication (DEC) plan, targeting scientific communities and expanding outreach efforts.
Objective 4.2: Foster an active and dynamic information network among consortium members, by creating a clear Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication (DEC) Plan.
Fostered an active DEC network, outlining objectives and reviewing Key Performance Indicators at monthly meetings.
Objective 4.3: Facilitate collaboration and information exchange between different organisations involved in the debate on climate change.
Engaged with climate-focused organisations and events to facilitate collaboration and information exchange.
Objective 4.4: Liaise and build up a community of stakeholders (companies, end-users of the technology) to further develop and commercialise the technology.
Expanded stakeholder community via social media and events, increasing engagement and outreach efforts.
TRANSLATE researchers have initiated fabrication of a nanofluidic energy harvesting platform for converting low-grade waste heat into electricity. Theoretical modeling guides experimental studies, with proof-of-concept demonstrated in the lab, achieving TRL 3. Over the next 18 months, further characterisation will inform device design.
During RP2, TRANSLATE engaged in the Horizon Results Booster program to refine its commercial roadmap. Identified potential IP includes surface charge tuning, functionalisation methods, thermoelectric cell design, low voltage electrode intercalation, and high thermovoltage nanochannel design. In the final phase, members will focus on networking events and industry conferences for device adoption.
TRANSLATE prioritised training early-career researchers during RP1, offering mentorship and Open Science sessions. They contributed to DEC activities, enhancing their profiles and research advancements. Additionally, outreach events aim to inspire future scientists.
During RP2, TRANSLATE engaged in the Horizon Results Booster program to refine its commercial roadmap. Identified potential IP includes surface charge tuning, functionalisation methods, thermoelectric cell design, low voltage electrode intercalation, and high thermovoltage nanochannel design. In the final phase, members will focus on networking events and industry conferences for device adoption.
TRANSLATE prioritised training early-career researchers during RP1, offering mentorship and Open Science sessions. They contributed to DEC activities, enhancing their profiles and research advancements. Additionally, outreach events aim to inspire future scientists.