November 07, 2024

Scientific Collaboration with Fuel Cell Institute at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
We had the privilege of hosting Associate Prof. Mohd Shahbudin Masdar, Deputy Director, and Associate Prof. Rozan Mohamad Yunus from the Fuel Cell Institute at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to the Energy and Materials Group at the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering (DICAM) at the University of Trento. This visit marks the beginning of a collaborative research partnership focused on advanced materials for hydrogen production, with particular emphasis on electrolyzer and fuel cell applications.
Prof. Yunus delivered a seminar titled "Development of Advanced Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Production". Her presentation highlighted recent advancements in electrocatalyst materials, performance optimization, and applications in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers. Prof. Yunus authored over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and has a H-index of 20, underscoring her significant influence in the field. Her groundbreaking work has secured more than RM 4 million in research funding from both government and industrial grants, and she holds several patents, highlighting her innovative contributions to sustainable energy technologies.


    

November 01, 2024

The PhD call for the topic  Integrated PV-AEM Electrolyzer System for Efficient Green Hydrogen Production  has closed, and the selected candidate is Sirisha Subbareddy.

 

October 17, 2024

CuFeS2/Cu2S/FeS2 Composite to Increase the Performance of Thin-Film Thermoelectric Generators Based on Sustainable Materials

Marcelo Augusto Malagutti, Ketan Lohani, Ivan Caño Prades, Alejandro Navarro-Güell, Tanguy Bernard, Andrea Chiappini, Edgardo Saucedo, Narges Ataollahi, and Paolo Scardi

ACS Appl. Electron. Mater.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaelm.4c01248

Abstract

Thermoelectric devices convert waste heat into electric energy but typically rely on scarce, expensive, and toxic Tebased materials. To address these limitations, we propose the Cu−Fe−S sulfide system as a nontoxic, abundant, and environmentally friendly alternative, with enhanced properties achieved through the synergistic behavior of CuFeS2, Cu2S, and FeS2 phases in a thinfilm thermoelectric generator. These phases were synthesized using a three-step process: ball milling, thermal evaporation, and sulfurization of Cu/Fe precursors, with the CuFeS2/Cu2S/FeS2 phase ratio being tuned by adjusting the sulfurization temperature and duration. The presence of binary sulfides enhances the electric connectivity between CuFeS2 grains, which on their own exhibit poor electrical conductivity due to the formation of isolated grains during nucleation. The composite achieved a volumetric power density of 20 μW cm−3 K−1, outperforming similar Cu-based materials such as Cu2SnS3 and Cu2ZnSnS/Se4, mainly due to its optimized phase composition, higher density, and the superior Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity achieved through nanoinclusion. The eco-friendly, low-cost Cu−Fe−S system, synthesized through scalable ball milling and thermal evaporation, presents a promising alternative to conventional materials for sustainable thermoelectric generation.

October 15, 2024

Contemporary Breakthroughs and Diverse Chemistry Innovations in Waterborne Polyurethane

K. L. Chai · Min Min Aung · Davin Yap Kin Yew · Mohd Sukor Su’ait · Azizan Ahmad · Narges Ataollahi ·Lee Tian Khoon

Journal of Polymers and the Environment

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-024-03437-9

Abstract

Polyurethane, a hydrophobic polymer with limited water solubility, is widely employed in applications including foam insulation, adhesives, coatings, and both flexible and rigid plastics. Waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) has emerged as a focal point due to its water-dispersible nature Its beneficial qualities, such as low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), simplicity of use, and environmental friendliness, are the reason for its appeal. WBPU is recognized for being non-toxic, non-flammable, and low VOC properties so it can help prevent the pollution of air water rather than increase. Moreover, it exhibits remarkable adhesion properties to a wide range of surfaces, such as glass and polymeric fibres. These exceptional qualities of WBPU have piqued the interest of researchers worldwide. This review focuses on the fundamental principles of WBPU chemistry and explores its physical attributes. It proceeds to provide an extensive examination of various studies, shedding light on the reaction procedures and mechanisms involved. Additionally, the article delves into the modifications introduced in the production process, the selection of source materials, and associated limitations.

October 09, 2024

Unraveling the structural and thermoelectric properties of the Sn-doped filled skutterudite Smy(FexNi1-x)Sb11.5Sn0.5 (y = 0.17–0.34, x = 0.43–0.64)

Cecilia Piscino, Giovanna Latronico, Pietro Manfrinetti, Nadia Parodi, Roberto Spotorno, Carlo Fanciulli, Ketan Lohani, Tanguy Bernard, Paolo Scardi, Paolo Mele, Cristina Artini

Journal of Alloys and Compounds 1009 (2024) 176966

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.176966

Abstract

A systematic study of the filled skutterudite system Smy(FexNi1-x)4Sb11.5Sn0.5 was carried out with the aim of investigating the effect of the partial substitution of Sb by Sn on the structural and thermoelectric properties of the material. The presence of Sn induces a shift of the p/n crossover toward lower values of x compared to the corresponding Sn-free system, as a consequence of the smaller number of electrons supplied. Moreover, a discontinuity at the p/n crossover is observed in the cell parameter and related structural features. The thermoelectric properties suggest lower thermal conductivity values in comparison to similar Sn-free skutterudite systems, resulting in higher ZT. This result highlights the significant role of Sn in creating new scattering centers
able to affect the phonon transmission through the crystal lattice.



 

Settember 28, 2024

Impact of functionalized titanium oxide on anion exchange membranes derived from chemically modified PET bottles

Varun Donnakatte Neelalochana, Eleonora Tomasino, Marcelo Augusto Malagutti, Ines Mancini, Andrea Chiappini, Sandeep Shadakshari, Maxwell W. Terban, Bernd Hinrichsen,

Paolo Scardi, Narges Ataollahi

Electrochimica Acta 507 (2024) 145170

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2024.145170

Abstract

The accessibility of newly affordable materials has drawn significant attention to the anion exchange membrane (AEM) technology. However, developing a high-performance AEM with excellent hydroxide conductivity and long-term durability is still challenging. The present work aims to improve the overall properties of AEMs synthesized by chemical modification of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as the starting material. The modified PET structure was confirmed using IR, NMR, and HPLC-ESIMS analyses. AEMs were developed by incorporating quaternary ammonium (QA) functional groups into the modified PET structure, necessary for transporting anionic species (OH�� ). In addition, TiO2 nanoparticles grafted with silane coupling agents containing amine functional groups were synthesized via the sol-gel method and embedded in the polymer matrix. Then, the prepared nanocomposite membranes were thoroughly characterized, and the results displayed an overall improvement in the membrane’s physicochemical properties. The composite membrane with 3wt% content of nanoparticle (NC3 %/M-PETm) showed remarkable conductivity, reaching 126 mS/cm at 80 ◦C, doubling the value of pristine membranes (64 mS/cm) while also displaying alkaline stability, retaining up to 92.2 % of conductivity after 20 days in harsh 2 M KOH at 80 ◦C. These results proved the suitability of these membranes for electrochemical energy applications. This innovative approach offers potential cost savings in preparing the new membranes while aligning with sustainable and circular economy principles.



August 30, 2024

Congratulations to Professor Paolo Scardi!
Professor Scardi has been honored with the prestigious EPDIC Award  as the "Distinguished Powder Diffractionist" at the European Powder Diffraction Conference (EPDIC 18), held in Padova from August 30 to September 2, 2024.
This international recognition highlights his significant contributions to the field of powder diffraction and represents a proud achievement for our UniTrento DICAM and the Universita’  di Trento.

https://mag.unitn.it/premi-e-riconoscimenti/119683/paolo-scardi-diffrazionista-europeo

 

August 30, 2024

The PhD student Marcelo Malagutti delivered an oral presentation titled "Understanding the structure and stacking fault of Cu2+yZn1-ySnS4-xSex systems for thermoelectric applications" at the 18th European Powder Diffraction Conference held in Padova-Italy from August 30 to September 2, 2024. The conference is devoted to all aspects of the analysis of polycrystalline materials using diffraction methods and it serves as ideal platforms for showcasing and disseminating new developments in powder diffraction instrumentation, analysis, and applications. EPDIC conferences brings together experts from universities, research institutes and instrumentation companies to share their knowledge and discuss the current trends and challenges in powder diffraction.



 

August 22, 2024

Environmentally friendly p-type CTS-based thin-film thermoelectric generator

Tanguy Bernard, Marcelo Augusto Malagutti, Ketan Lohani, Mirco D’Incau, Narges Ataollahi, Paolo Scardi

J Mater Sci (2024) 59:15491–155033

htps://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-024-10104-w

Abstract

Cu-based sulphides are promising materials for environmentally friendly Tefree thermoelectric generators (TEGs). Cu2SnS3 (CTS) stands out for its electronic properties, stemming from its conductive Cu–S networks, especially in fully disordered cubic structural form. While wet chemical techniques are the most utilized for CTS synthesis, they introduce organic contaminants that reduce electronic connectivity between grains, limiting their performance as in-plane thinflm TEGs. We present a new method to improve the electronic properties of CTS thin flms for thermoelectric applications involving three-step dry route synthesis of ball milling, thermal evaporation, and sulfurization of Cu2–Sn metallic precursors. Via this method, charge carrier concentration increased signifcantly, as estimated by Hall efect analysis, which was atributed to the Cu-poor stoichiometry, also confrmed via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). Microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed micrometre-sized grains composed of even smaller crystalline domains, which X-ray difraction (XRD) showed to be ~ 50 nm in diameter. When compared with literature results, our procedure leads to a fourfold enhancement in the thermoelectric power factor ( PF = S2휎 ), determined through the Seebeck coefcient measurements ( S ) and electronic conductivity (σ) estimated by the van der Pauw technique. The CTS TEG has a power volume density of 2.3 μW ­K−1 ­cm−3, measured by a custom current–voltage–power (I–V–P) setup with varying load resistance. Results present a 100% increase in performance compared to ink-based techniques and were reproducible across three diferent batches. This strategy, improving the density of the CTS thin flms, ofers a new way to enhance Cu-based thin-flm TEGs.



 

July 30, 2024

The PhD student Marcelo Malagutti delivered an oral presentation titled "CuFeS2 In-plane Thermoelectric Generators Produced by Ball Milling, Thermal Evaporation, and Sulfurization" at the 40th International and 20th European Conference on Thermoelectrics (ICT/ECT) held in Krakow-Poland from June 30 to July 4, 2024. The conference is a forum for discussion of new ideas and discoveries in the field of chemistry, physics and materials science, as well as practical applications in the industrial and energy sectors that contribute to the progress in thermoelectricity. The conference covered all possible aspects: theory and modelling, physical phenomena, new materials, measurement techniques, thermoelectric devices, systems and applications.

July 2024

Award and achievments

PhD  Ketan Lohani was awarded the Juan de la Cierva 2023 postdoctor al fellowship. The Juan de la Cierva grants are designed to promote the integration of young researchers with a doctorate degree into Spanish research and development (R&D) centers to further their postdoctoral research training

 

PhD Eleonora Isotta was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions postdoctoral Fellowship, for the project: "MetaSCT: Metamaterials for Thermoelectric Applications - multiscale Structure, Chemistry, Thermal Property relations to uncover the local behavior of grain boundaries". This MSCA fellowship will fund Eleonora for two years to perform research at the Nanoanalytics and Interfaces group of Prof. Christina Scheu at the Max-Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in Düsseldorf, Germany, and in collaboration with the group of Prof. Jeff Snyder and the group of Prof. Oluwaseyi Balogun at Northwestern University, USA.

 

 

 

PhD Syafiq Ubaidah  has awarded a research project funded by the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme,  Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education.

The project is titled "Enhancing Structural and Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2Te3 via Cationic Doping for High _zT_ Thin Film." led by Syafiq from SERI-UKM, with collaboration from Narges Ataollahi at DICAM, UniTn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulation

 

 

July 14, 2024

Influence of nanoparticles on melting of paraffin through a thermoelectric-photovoltaic unit in presence of spectral filter and reflectors

Z. Khalili, M. Sheikholeslami, P. Scardi, N. Ataollahi

Journal of Energy Storage 98 (2024) 113023

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2024.113023

Abstract

This article delves into the numerical examination of enhancing the productivity of a photovoltaic (PV) system in conjunction with reflectors. In bottom of the traditional PV, thermoelectric generator (TEG) has been used whichmade from Cu2SnS3 as a sustainable material. A spectral filter, comprising a water-MgO nanofluid, has been applied. To manage the silicon layer’s temperature and ensure uniformity, a paraffin layer has been strategically placed at the system’s bottom. The paraffin zone incorporates MWCNT nanoparticles mixed with RT25 for
improved material properties. To augment conduction, sinusoidal fins have been affixed to the upper wall of the paraffin zone. The simulation involves an unsteady process, validated through comparisons with prior experimental and numerical works. Four distinct cases, considering the use of reflectors and fins, demonstrate their effects on key parameters. Results showcase variations in liquid fraction (LF), temperature of filter at outlet (Tout), paraffin temperature (TPCM), and electrical performance (ηe) over time. As time progresses the temperatures of different layers rise, impacting ηe negatively. The LF and TPCM values increase due to the growing melt phase within the domain. Notably, the impact of fins on ηe diminishes by 62.79 % and 97.3 % in the presence and absence of reflectors, respectively. The integration of fins in the presence of reflectors reduces panel temperatures, improving uniformity by 3.47 %, 0.38 %, and 0.23 % at 1,  , and 3 h, respectively. This research contributes valuable insights into optimizing PV-TEG system efficiency through the strategic use of reflectors and fins, showcasing their nuanced effects on performance and thermal management.

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July 13, 2024

Honeycomb polypore biomass-derived activated porous carbon nanosheets/graphite/nafion composite: Green and sensitive electrocatalyst for nanomolar detection of Hg2+ ions and water-splitting reactions

N. Hareesha, D.M. Soumya, Mounesh, J.G. Manjunatha, R.N. Rohit, P. Manikanta, D.N. Varun, N. Ataollahi, B.A. Thippeswamy, K. Pramoda, B.M. Nagaraja

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 12 (2024) 113584

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2024.113584

Abstract

The electrochemical strategies with green electrocatalysts propose a selective, steady, and sensitive direction for the trace analytes sensing, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) applications. Herein, Honeycomb Polypore biomass waste-derived NaOH-activated porous nanocarbon material was synthesized, which performs as a multifunctional electrocatalyst for Hg2+ sensing and water-splitting reactions with the support of graphite and Nafion composite. The optimized nanocomposite shows high electrochemical activity for the redox reaction of Hg2+ in 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline of 5.0 pH with a lower limit of detection value of 2.309 nM, good stability, reproducibility, and anti-interference activity. For water-splitting reactions, the optimized nanocomposite shows better overpotential values of 0.447 V (HER in 0.5 M H2SO4) and 0.305 V (OER in 0.5 M KOH) at 10.0 mA/cm2 of current density. Also, the lower Tafel slope values of 0.089 V/decade and 0.075 V/decade of the optimum electrocatalyst signify superior proficiency towards the HER and OER activities, respectively. These outcomes validate the materials’ excellent multifunctional activity for Hg2+ detection in different water samples and water-splitting reactions, boosting their potential for environmental safety and energy production.