Applications are invited for a PhD Studentship in the Department of Physics at Loughborough University, to start on or after 1^st July 2015.

Research outline

Thermoelectric materials are of fundamental importance and interest because of their unique property to convert heat energy into electrical energy. Similar to solar cells and wind/wave power, these materials will play a key role in the vastly expanding areas of science and technology dealing with Renewable Energies and Energy storage. This project will focus on special class of thermoelectrics – Heusler materials that demonstrate high thermoelectric efficiency and show excellent promise for near-future technologies. However, currently the thermoelectric merit of all existing compounds remains still too low for widespread commercialisation. The aim of this project is to exploit the capabilities of high pressure to enhance the thermoelectric performance in known Heuslers, and thereby investigate the key parameters affecting thermoelectricity. 

Project summary

The successful PhD candidate will measure electrical and thermal properties, such as thermopower, thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity, under pressure in a few select representatives of the Heusler families. Lattice phonon response investigation and structure determination will be done using high-pressure Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction respectively. This PhD project will explore physical and structural properties under pressure in promising thermoelectric materials and carry out an in-depth investigation into the key aspects for enhancing the efficiency of their performance.

The successful candidate will prepare and assemble high-pressure cells for in situ measurement of these properties. This includes delicate work under a microscope and sample preparation on the sub-millimetre scale. As part of the experiments, it will also be optionally possible to modify existing software interface between instrument hardware and the experimental setup. This will involve writing some programming code using languages such as Python and the visual-design environment LabView. Therefore, some interest in programming would be beneficial, but is not assumed or required. Additionally, the candidate is likely to attend a few experiments at national light and neutron facilities for high-pressure structural studies.

Eligibility

Students applying should normally have (or expect to achieve) a 1^st class honours degree in a relevant physical sciences based subject (i.e. physics, materials science, chemistry or electrical engineering).

Funding Notes

A stipend of £13,863 per annum plus UK/EU fees is available for a period of three years. Students applying from outside the UK/EU countries will have to provide additional funding to cover the cost of overseas fees.

Applications should be made via our online portal: https://lucas.lboro.ac.uk/web_apx/f?p=100:1

For more additional information please contact Dr Anna Kusmartseva at: a.kusmartseva<στο>lboro.ac.uk