Project description
Sustainable and cost-effective thermoelectric modules for waste heat recovery and cooling
The European Green Deal targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, focusing on clean energy and efficiency. Nearly two-thirds of global energy is lost as waste heat, while cooling systems contribute ~10 % of emissions. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the HoleySTeM project addresses these challenges by developing silicon-germanium based thermoelectric modules (TEMs) for near-room-temperature applications on nanoporous alumina. Drawing on the concept of ‘Holey Silicon’ – nanoporous structures that suppress phonon transport – the project aims to deliver affordable, eco-friendly and non-toxic thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and coolers (TECs), optimised through multiphysics simulations and fabricated using scalable, low-cost magnetron sputtering. HoleySTeM aligns with the advancement of key enabling technologies under the Horizon Europe framework (2021-2027).
Objective
"The European Green Deal targets zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, emphasizing clean energy and improved energy efficiency. In line with this objective, the HoleySTeM project focuses on waste heat recovery and cooling solutions, which are crucial given that two-thirds of global energy production is wasted via heat losses, and cooling accounts for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions.
The HoleySTeM focuses on developing nanostructured silicon-germanium-based thermoelectric modules (TEMs) for near-room-temperature applications on nanoporous alumina substrates. This approach draws on so-called ""Holey Silicon"", which uses nanometric holes to enhance thermoelectric efficiency by inhibiting phonon transport through nanopores. Intended as solid-state devices for recovering waste heat and cooling electronics, these modules will be created with advanced designs for thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and coolers (TECs), optimized through multiphysics simulations, and fabricated using magnetron sputtering—a scalable and economical method.
If successful, HoleySTeM could replace Bi, Te, Pb, Sb, and Se-based TEMs with SiGe-based eco-friendly and abundant alternatives, reducing material and production costs, expanding potential applications, and simplifying integration with modern electronics. HoleySTeM also addresses Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) under Horizon Europe (2021-2027), including micro/nano-electronics, advanced materials, and advanced manufacturing.
This MSCA offers a career development opportunity for Dr. Ketan Lohani (KL), mentored by Prof. Alfonso Cebollada at the Institute of Micro and Nanotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (IMN-CSIC) in Madrid. KL will apply his prior knowledge in thermoelectric materials to fabricate functional TEMs using experimental and computational methods. This MSCA will equip him with advanced skills in vacuum deposition, nanofabrication, and device design simulations, significantly advancing his career.
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Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy
- engineering and technology environmental engineering ecosystem-based management climatic change mitigation
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering thermodynamic engineering heat engineering
- engineering and technology nanotechnology
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computational science multiphysics
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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
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.
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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-MSCA-2024-PF-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.
28006 Madrid
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.