Recent progress in thermoelectric nanocomposites based on solution-synthesized nanoheterostructures

Thermoelectric materials,which can convert waste heat into electricity,have received increasing research interest in recent years.This paper describes the recent progress in thermoelectric nanocomposites based on solution-synthesized nanoheterostructures.We start our discussion with the strategies of improving the power factor of a given material by using nanoheterostructures.Then we discuss the methods of decreasing thermal conductivity.Finally,we highlight a way of decoupling power factor and thermal conductivity,namely,incorporating phase-transition materials into a nanowire heterostructure.We have explored the lead telluride-copper telluride thermoelectric nanowire heterostructure in this work.Future possible ways to improve the figure of merit are discussed at the end of this paper.     

Nanowire encapsulation with polymer for electrical isolation and enhanced optical properties

Light management and electrical isolation are essential for the majority of optoelectronic nanowire (NW) devices.Here,we present a cost-effective technique,based on vapor-phase deposition of parylene-C and subsequent annealing,that provides conformal encapsulation,anti-reflective coating,improved optical properties,and electrical insulation for GaAs nanowires.The process presented allows facile encapsulation and insulation that is suitable for any nanowire structure.In particular,the parylene-C encapsulation functions as an efficient antireflection coating for the nanowires,with reflectivity down to ＜1％ in the visible spectrum.Furthermore,the parylene-C coating increases photoluminescence intensity,suggesting improved light guiding to the NWs.Finally,based on this process,a NW LED was fabricated,which showed good diode performance and a clear electroluminescence signal.We believe the process can expand the fabrication possibilities and improve the performance of optoelectronic nanowire devices.     

蓄冷板释冷过程的数值模拟和实验研究

对蓄冷板内共晶液的热力学特性进行了分析,并且建立了蓄冷板释冷的数学模型。通过数值模拟的方法,模拟了NaCl蓄冷板在初始温度为-30℃,环境温度为-10℃、0℃和10℃三种不同温度条件下的释冷过程,并且通过相关的实验研究,对模拟结果的准确性进行了验证。通过研究得到了蓄冷板在不同条件下的释冷过程及特点。研究结果表明:在NaCl蓄冷板的释冷过程中,当其所处的环境温度高于-21.2℃,即其共晶温度时,外界环境温度会对冷板内共晶冰开始发生相变的时刻产生较大影响;外界环境温度越高,蓄冷板内共晶冰开始融化到完全融化所需要的时间越短。计算结果与实验结果吻合良好,两者之间的平均偏差小于0.5℃,说明数学模型及计算方法的可靠性。     

Mechanical properties of concrete containing phase-change material

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of concrete containing solid–liquid phase-change material (PCM) and focused on two key factors. First, a systematic study on the mechanical performance of PCM-modified concretes was conducted, including compressive, elastic modulus, and shrinkage tests. Second, because PCM provides high latent heat during the solid–liquid phase change, the effects of the solid phase and liquid phase on the mechanical properties of concrete were also explored. Results of this study showed that the solid–liquid phase of PCM affected the mechanical properties of concrete. For example, the compressive strength of 10% PCM concrete in solid phase (23 °C) and liquid phase (40 °C) at 28 days was 29.30 and 19.57 MPa, respectively. In addition, with increasing PCM content, the mechanical properties were degraded. For example, 10, 20, and 30% of PCM content lowered the compressive strength by 35.4, 58.4, and 74.3%, respectively. Therefore, concrete with PCM may not be suitable for structural elements. However, PCM is an important solution for optimizing energy consumption in modern buildings. It can absorb or emit large amounts of heat to store or release thermal energy. These properties can be used to control building temperatures resulting in energy saving and carbon reduction.