Home > Press > Correlated rattling atomic chains reduce thermal conductivity of materials
![]() |
A schematic diagram. In intermetallic compounds with tunnel spaces in the crystal structure (Na-X-Sn compounds, where X is Al, Ga, In, or Zn), Na atoms in the tunnel vibrate (rattling) with large amplitude along the elongation direction of the tunnel, and the local interatomic distance of these Na atoms. It was found that the lattice thermal conductivity decreases in compounds where the local interatomic distance (dNa-Na) of these Na atoms is closer. This is a new mechanism of thermal conductivity reduction caused by the strong correlation of the atomic chain-like rattling atoms in the tunnel with each other. CREDIT Takahiro Yamada et al. |
Abstract:
A group of researchers has recently unveiled a novel mechanism that leads to further suppression of thermal conductivity in thermoelectric materials, something that will help develop new guidelines for producing high-performance thermoelectric materials.
Details of their research were published in the journal Advanced Materials on December 17, 2022.
Controlling the ease with which heat is transmitted through a material, i.e., thermal conductivity, has a wide range of applications to our everyday lives: from insulating our homes, to improving the performance of electronic devices, as well as enhancing the energy conservation of automobiles and aviation and generating greater power efficiency.
Scientists are increasingly interested in thermal management technology as a means to solve various heat-related problems and to effectively utilize thermal energy.
When the research group placed atomic chains into tunnel spaces within intermetallic compound crystal structures, the atoms strongly correlated with each other in large amplitude vibrations, or "rattling." Vigorous experiments and theoretical calculations demonstrated that the stronger the correlation between rattling atoms, the greater the decrease in thermal conductivity.
"Since advancements in thermoelectric materials require lower thermal conductivity, our discovery can provide new guidelines for engineering improved thermoelectric materials," states Takahiro Yamada, professor at Tohoku University's Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (IMRAM) and co-author of the paper.
Also involved in the group was Professor Hisanori Yamane, also from IMRAM, Dr Masahiro Kanno from Tohoku University's Graduate School of Engineering (at the time of research), Professor Masato Yoshiya from Osaka University's Graduate School of Engineering, Associate Professor Hiroshi Takatsu and Professor Hiroshi Kageyama from Kyoto University's Graduate School of Engineering, Chief Senior Research Scientist Dr Takuji Ikeda from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology's (AIST) Research Institute for Chemical Process Technology, and Senior Research Scientist Dr Hideaki Nagai from AIST's Research Institute for Energy Conservation.
####
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
Public Relations
Tohoku University
Copyright © Tohoku University
If you have a comment, please Contact us.Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Related Links |
Related News Press |
News and information
New organic molecule shatters phosphorescence efficiency records and paves way for rare metal-free applications July 5th, 2024
Single atoms show their true color July 5th, 2024
New method cracked for high-capacity, secure quantum communication July 5th, 2024
Searching for dark matter with the coldest quantum detectors in the world July 5th, 2024
Possible Futures
New method cracked for high-capacity, secure quantum communication July 5th, 2024
Searching for dark matter with the coldest quantum detectors in the world July 5th, 2024
Atomic force microscopy in 3D July 5th, 2024
Discoveries
Efficient and stable hybrid perovskite-organic light-emitting diodes with external quantum efficiency exceeding 40 per cent July 5th, 2024
A New Blue: Mysterious origin of the ribbontail ray’s electric blue spots revealed July 5th, 2024
New organic molecule shatters phosphorescence efficiency records and paves way for rare metal-free applications July 5th, 2024
Single atoms show their true color July 5th, 2024
Announcements
New organic molecule shatters phosphorescence efficiency records and paves way for rare metal-free applications July 5th, 2024
Single atoms show their true color July 5th, 2024
New method cracked for high-capacity, secure quantum communication July 5th, 2024
Searching for dark matter with the coldest quantum detectors in the world July 5th, 2024
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters
Single atoms show their true color July 5th, 2024
New method cracked for high-capacity, secure quantum communication July 5th, 2024
Searching for dark matter with the coldest quantum detectors in the world July 5th, 2024
Atomic force microscopy in 3D July 5th, 2024
Battery Technology/Capacitors/Generators/Piezoelectrics/Thermoelectrics/Energy storage
What heat can tell us about battery chemistry: using the Peltier effect to study lithium-ion cells March 8th, 2024
A battery’s hopping ions remember where they’ve been: Seen in atomic detail, the seemingly smooth flow of ions through a battery’s electrolyte is surprisingly complicated February 16th, 2024
![]() |
||
![]() |
||
The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
![]() |
![]() |
||
Premium Products | ||
![]() |
||
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
![]() |
||
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
![]() |