EcoMat: Join us in the pursuit of functional materials for green energy and environment

We introduce a novel method for reconstructing nuclear density distributions (NDDs): Nuclear Enhanced X-ray Maximum Entropy Method (NEXMEM). NEXMEM offers an alternative route to experimental NDDs, exploiting the superior quality of synchrotron X-ray data compared to neutron data. The method was conceived to analyse local distortions in the thermoelectric lead chalcogenides, PbX (X = S, Se, Te). Thermoelectric materials are functional materials with the unique ability to interconvert heat and electricity, holding much promise for green energy solutions such as waste heat recovery. The extraordinary thermoelectric performance of binary lead chalcogenides has caused huge research activity, but the mechanisms governing their unexpected low thermal conductivity still remain a controversial topic. It has been proposed to result from giant anharmonic phonon scattering or from local fluctuating dipoles on the Pb site.[1,2] No macroscopic symmetry change are associated with these effects, rendering them invisible to conventional crystallographic techniques. For this reason PbX was until recently believed to adopt the ideal, undistorted rock-salt structure. In the present study, we investigate PbX using multi-temperature synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data in combination with the maximum entropy method (MEM) and NEXMEM. In addition NEXMEM has been validated by testing against simulated powder diffraction data of PbTe with known displacements of Pb. The increased resolution of NEXMEM proved essential for resolving Pb-displacement of 0.2 Å in simulated data. The figure below shows Pb in the (100) plane for MEM, NEXMEM and the actual NDD of the test structure. Our findings outline the extent of disorder in lead chalcogenides, promoting our understanding of this class of high-performance thermoelectric materials. Furthermore we introduce NEXMEM which can be used for widespread characterization of subtle atomic features in crystals with unusual properties.

Download Full-text

Preface

IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science ◽

10.1088/1755-1315/926/1/011001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 926 (1) ◽

pp. 011001

Keyword(s):

Oral Presentation ◽

Environmental Science ◽

Science And Technology ◽

Vice President ◽

Green Energy ◽

Scientific Conference ◽

Energy And Environment ◽

Keynote Presentation ◽

Conference Committees ◽

Virtual Conference

The Third International Conference on Green Energy and Environment (The 3rd ICoGEE 2021) was organized by the Faculty of Engineering – Universitas Bangka Belitung together with some co-organized members such as the Faculty of Engineering – Universitas Tadulako, Faculty of Engineering – Universitas Bengkulu, Faculty of Engineering – Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji, Faculty of Technology and Science – Universitas Jambi, MIPAnet and Asian Federation of Biotechnology (AFOB). We planned The 3rd ICoGEE 2021 to held on September 29th – 30th, 2021, in Pangkalpinang, Indonesia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic that is still engulfing various countries has hampered diverse gathering and traveling activities. Therefore, The 3rd ICoGEE 2021 has been held virtually using the Zoom Meeting platform. The 3rd ICoGEE 2021 is a scientific conference involving various disciplines that aims to create innovations related to the development of science and technology to protect energy and the environment. Another goal of ICoGEE is to build a collaborative network between government, practitioners, and academics to solve problems in the energy and environmental sectors. Thus, this year’s ICOGEEE carries the theme: “Innovation Science and Technology Innovation for Sustainable Development Green Energy and a Cleaner Environment.” Although held online, this conference was attended by about 150 researchers, engineers, and scientists from various institutions. There are more than 60 institutions from nine countries: Indonesia, India, Viet Nam, Japan, Spain, China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cyprus, participating in The 3rd ICoGEE 2021. The conference consists of two parts: keynote presentation and oral presentation. There were 114 papers (after the review process) divided into three topics: Green Energy and Application, Environmental Science and Technology, and Energy and Environmental Management. During the oral presentation session, the participants were divided into academic groups according to the topic. We are very grateful because, in 2021, The 3rd ICoGEE has keynote speakers from different countries and institutions who are experts in energy and environmental aspects. Our great honor is that five experts gave excellent keynote speeches: Prof. Misri Gozan as Vice President of Asian Federation of Biotechnology, Associate Prof. Dr. Oki Muraza from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Prof Taufik from Cal. Poly. State University, Prof. Ocky Karna Radjasa as Deputy Chairman of Earth Sciences - LIPI, and Prof. Jatna Supriatna as Vice Chairman of the Belantara Foundation. Although The 3rd ICoGEE was held virtually, the conference can still achieve its primary purpose or benefit. All manuscripts published in the proceeding have been through a rigorous review to meet the requirement of high-quality papers. The committee wishes to acknowledge speakers and participants who attended this virtual conference. We are beyond glad as this pandemic situation, which has been going on for more than a year, would not let their spirit down to keep participating in this conference. Plenty of thanks are given to all persons who have helped and supported this conference. Warmest Regards, Chairman of Organizing Committee Herman Aldila Conference Committees are available in the pdf

Download Full-text