EPS Nordics and Chalmers Distinguished Seminar: From Nanofire to MEMS TEG: Exploring the Transformative Impact of the Scale Effects of Heat

#Thermoelectric #Nanofire #MEMS #Chip

Classical thermodynamics assumes laws like Fourier’s law and the concept of temperature apply equally at all scales. However, at micro- and nano-scales, heat behaves differently. The Scale Effects of Heat theory provides a framework to explain and predict these discrepancies, bridging macroscopic and nanoscale thermal transport—crucial for developing next-generation materials and energy systems.

Historically, fire has driven human progress, but traditional combustion methods are inefficient and polluting. Nanofire technology offers a cleaner alternative by enabling localized ignition at the nanoscale through chemical catalysis, without conventional ignition. Combustion is precisely confined to catalyst-active areas, producing extreme thermal gradients exceeding 1300 K/mm with catalyst films just 20 nm thick.

Simultaneously, micro/nano thermoelectric (MEMS TEG) chip technology enables zero-emission energy conversion by transforming heat directly into electricity via electron-phonon coupling. Guided by scale effect principles, we have developed nanostructured multilayer materials and advanced fabrication methods, resulting in the world’s most integrated MEMS thermoelectric chip—with over 60,000 thermoelectric pairs.

This chip delivers exceptional performance, operating efficiently with temperature differences as small as 0.001 K. It holds promise for ultra-sensitive sensors and scalable micro-power generation from ambient or waste heat. Together with radiative cooling technology, these innovations offer new pathways toward clean, sustainable energy.

Prof. Dr. Zhiyu Hu, National Distinguished Expert, Professor Class II, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC). Currently serves as the "Zhiyuan" Chair Professor of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Director of the Nano-Micro Energy Innovation Team of the Future Materials Creation Center of Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Studies. He has published over 180 research papers and holds more than 50 invention patents. He has also authored six monographs in Chinese and English. He has received numerous scientific research and teaching awards, both domestically and internationally, including the prestigious R&D 100 Sustainability Innovator of the Year Award. His research focuses on key areas such as micro- and nanoscale energy conversion, micro- and nano-thermoelectric chips, advanced sensors, and nano-structured functional materials.

E-mail: zhiyuhu@sjtu.edu.cn

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• Chalmers University of Technology
• Göteberg, Vastra Gotalands lan
• Sweden 41296
• Building: Fasrummet, MC2

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• Co-sponsored by Chalmers University of Technology