Thermoelectric nanomaterial synthesis was incorporated in an upper-level inorganic laboratory class to introduce students to solution-phase solid-state chemistry and material characterization techniques.  This project complimented research in the Anderson group with a focus on understanding reaction pathways for the formation of PbTe and Bi2Te3.  Results obtained within the laboratory classroom demonstrated the reproducibility of key growth stages and contributed to the study by elucidating an intermediate that previously had not been identified. Through a pre-lab lecture, the motivation for this research was given within the context of the need for alternative energy and the necessary requirements for the materials implemented (i.e. high energy conversion, low production costs).  An emphasis on how nanostructuring improves thermoelectrics was given to motivate the bottom-up modified polyol synthesis that they would be conducting.  Students then gave literature presentations on the topic to gain an overview of the methods and materials relevant in the field.  A guided inquiry activity using CrystalMaker software introduced students to solid crystal structures and their simulated XRD patterns. This was a five week lab with three different rounds of synthesis performed by students. The first round involved following a provided procedure to make a known target, the second had students change one variable under investigation (reaction temperature), and the third permitted them freedom in choosing to alter an additional variable or to pursue a different material target.  Every product was characterized by XRD and at least one was examined by SEM and EDS (oftentimes all were).  Students were able to have hands-on experience with all instrumentation with assistance from a TA. Results were presented in a lab meeting with a powerpoint presentation as well as submitted in a report written in journal article format, incorporating information from the pre-lab lecture, literature presentations, and solid crystal structure activity into the Introduction section.

Thermoelectric material synthesis and characterization in upper-level laboratory classes

247th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.