Research Projects

Topological materials are increasingly studied due to their fundamental and technological importance. These materials exhibit unique electronic structures and band inversion, leading to high charge carrier mobility, large magnetoresistance, catalysis, and thermoelectrics. In energy conversion research, thermoelectrics are gaining attention for their direct conversion of waste heat to electrical energy. However, designing an efficient thermoelectric system is challenging due to conflicting thermoelectric parameters. The extraordinary transport properties of topological quantum materials provide a new direction for thermoelectric materials design. The proposal aims to investigate the synthesis and thermoelectric properties of topological layers containing natural heterostructure misfit compounds, such as [(Pb/SnSe2)1.16]m(TiSe)n, [(Pb/SnTe2)1.16]m(TiSe)n homologous series. The topological misfit materials will be synthesized using a solid state synthesis method using different high temperature programmable furnaces. The topological state and carrier concentration optimization will be done by varying layer indexes and different aliovalent chemical doping. Electrical and thermal transport properties measurements will be carried out to understand the effect of topological state on thermoelectric properties. The layer of topological quantum materials will function as an electronic transport channel, while the van der Waals gap and interface will assist in phonon scattering to decouple electronic and phonon transport. This systematic approach will lead to unprecedented opportunities in fundamental understanding and energy conversion applications of topological materials.