Thermoelectric devices have enabled the exploration of space for nearly 60 years. However, their utilization in Earth-based applications are limited due to the hazardous and expensive nature of current-state-of-the-art thermoelectric technologies along with their extremely low operational efficiency (approximately 6-7%). This work embodies an attempt at creating a new material possessing thermoelectric characteristics. This new material is based off of the graphene oxide-titanium oxide system, focusing on development of the interface for enhanced charge carrier mobility and density. The TiOx-GO system has been investigated for a variety of applications over the last decade, including dye-sensitized solar cells, photovoltaics, lithium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors. While the structure, bulk electrical conductivity, and optical performance of this system has been explored quite extensively, the understanding of the nanointerfaces and their effects on the charge transport behavior in these systems are not well understood. This work begins to explore the interfacial interactions between graphene oxide (GO) and titanium oxide (TiOx) in the form of thin films. TiOx is deposited onto a graphene oxide thin film via atomic layer deposition with tetrakis (dimethylamid) titanium (IV) (TDMAT) and water as the precursors. The amount of TiOx deposited and the temperature of deposition are statistically varied in order to explore the development of the interface between GO and TiOx and the effects that the TiOx structure have on the electrical transport properties. Structural and chemical analysis is coupled with in-plane and through-plane charge mobility and density measurements to elucidate the potential of such a material for thermoelectric applications.

Examining charge carrier mobility in graphene oxide-titanium oxide thin films

2019 Spring National Meeting

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