Quantum Thermoelectrics University of Southampton in United Kingdom

This project focusses on enhancing thermoelectric materials for waste harvesting of waste heat using quantum technology.

Thermoelectric (TE) materials are an important class of materials for power generation that can directly convert waste heat into electrical energy based on the Seebeck effect. With 90% of the world’s power being generated by heat engines that operate at < 40% efficiency resulting in roughly 15 terawatts of energy being lost as heat the potential for TE generators in sustainable waste–heat–recovery systems is huge. However, current TE materials have low efficiencies and are expensive to manufacture so that TE devices have only found application in niche markets. Clearly a step change is required in the performance of TE materials that would enable the wider adoption of such technologies. One promising strategy to improve their performance is to harness quantum confinement effects in low dimensional structures such as nanowires which have consistently outperformed their bulk counterparts. In this project you will fabricate nanowires and combine them with organic conducting polymers to generate a new generation of high performance hybrid TE materials that combine the low thermal conductivity of the polymer and the superior charge transport properties of the inorganic component. This project will develop skills and expertise in materials fabrication and characterisation, thermoelectrics as well as quantum materials.

This project will develop skills and expertise in materials fabrication and characterisation, thermoelectrics as well as quantum materials.

Entry Requirements: A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in either Chemistry, Materials or Physics.

Closing date : 30 April 2025. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD in Chemistry”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr Iris Nandhakumar.

Applications should include :

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date