Luc Piraux

Macroscopic-scale nanostructures, situated at the interface of nanostructures and bulk materials, hold significant promise in the realm of thermoelectric materials. Nanostructuring presents a compelling avenue for enhancing material thermoelectric performance as well as unlocking intriguing nanoscale phenomena, including spin-dependent thermoelectric effects. This is achieved while preserving high power output capabilities and ease of measurements related to the overall macroscopic dimensions. Within this framework, the recently developed three-dimensional interconnected nanowire and nanotube networks, integrated into a flexible polymer membrane, emerge as promising candidates for macroscopic nanostructures. The flexibility of these composites also paves the way for advances in the burgeoning field of flexible thermoelectrics. In this study, we demonstrate that the three-dimensional nanowire networks made of ferromagnetic metals maintain the intrinsic bulk thermoelectric power of their bulk constituent even for a diameter reduced to approximately 23 nm. Furthermore, we showcase the pioneering magneto-thermoelectric measurements of three-dimensional interconnected nickel nanotube networks. These macroscopic materials, comprising interconnected nanotubes, enable the development of large-area devices that exhibit efficient thermoelectric performance, while their nanoscale tubular structures provide distinctive magneto-transport properties. This research represents a significant step toward harnessing the potential of macroscopic nanostructured materials in the field of thermoelectrics.