New generation of 2D topological insulators for the next generation of Thermoelectrical generators – NEXTOP

NEXTOP project is focused on the growth, tests and theoretical modeling of new 2D topological insulators for thermoelectricity. 2D topological insulators are a new brand of materials that have exotic properties, which are extremely interesting from a scientific point of view. Presently, in the framework of the studies on thermoelectricity, only 3D material have been tested but without exploiting their intrinsic topological properties. 2D materials show from their side, physical properties extremely different that allows targeting extremely high value for zT factor, larger than 3 which is the state of the art. Indeed some theoretical works have demonstrated that a value of 7 could be reached. We are at the verge of a revolution in terms of energy harvesting that can allow the fabrication of energetically autonomous systems that could be also miniaturized thanks to the high efficiency in thermoelectric effect also for quite low temperature gradients. This could, for example, open new horizons for implementation of IoTs in a larger panel of applications. In NEXTOP project we suggest to develop firstly some easier to grow materials such as MoTe2 and WTe2 and to optimize thanks to them the thermoelectric tests and the theoretical models. Following this phase, we will grow Xenes (e.g. Stanene) mono-layers, surely a technical challenge for the consortium, that we will characterize and that will allow reaching zT values absolutely larger than the present state of the art concerning materials presently used (enhance by a factor 2). NEXTOP project is very ambitious from a scientific and technical point of view. For these reasons, we have reunited in the consortium the main French actors in the field of growth, thermal, electrical characterization of these specific materials. All these reserach groups have complementary and fundamental skills to bring success to the project. The groups working on theoretical models will work strictly in collaboration with teams involved in tests and growth. It is a high-risk project that thanks to its final results will allow to identify materials that can constitute real game-changers in the field of thermoelectricity but also to increase hugely the knowledge of the physical properties of these exotic materials, an extremely timely topic . An advisory board composed by high ranked scientists in the field of 2D materials growth and 2d materials properties, and by experts working in high-tech companies will give advice all along the project in order to follow the wright scientific directions and to identify potential applications (WSN, IoTs).