On May 17-18, Prof. Yi Xie from USTC, Deputy Chief Scientist of Solar Energy Conversion Platform of iChEM, has been invited to Xiamen University for lecturing on Thermoelectric Effect and Thermoelectric Materials, which is as part of Advanced Energy Chemistry curriculum of Energy Chemistry undergraduate program. Totally six periods covering knowledge of chemistry, physics, materials and philosophy of life. Prof. Xie combined the basic theory and frontier development of this subject to make a wonderful lecture to more than two hundred teachers and students.
In this course, Prof. Xie made an introduction about basic knowledge of thermoelectric effect and thermoelectric materials, present research situation of thermoelectric materials, challenges and possible solution approach for thermoelectric materials, evaluation of thermoelectric element, etc.
Prof. Xie systematically explained the relations between thermoelectric merit figure (Z) with Seebeck (S), electrical conductivity(σ) and thermal conductivity(k), expounded the physics principles of three parameters, and analyzed the possible methods and strategies for optimization of these parameters according to latest research developments at home and abroad. She interestingly connected thermoelectricity with philosophy of life, the formula Z=S2σ/k has been used as a metaphor as happiness index= (social value realization)2.(disposable time)/ (individual efforts), which deepen the understanding and comprehension of the formula and stimulate the students themselves to work harder. Under the restrictions and inverse ratio and coupling of the three parameters, happiness index for everyone is actually almost the same, so it requires to create more social value by more efforts in order to gain happiness since social value contribute to happiness in a quadratic term.
In this course, Prof. Xie also introduced the advantages and disadvantages of structure and performance of kinds of thermoelectric materials. From different perspectives of new materials and theory, large scale preparation technology, elements design and preparation, participation of handicraft industry and research-industry cooperation, she introduced the problems and challenges faced at present, forecasted the possible solutions for energy shortage and environment pollution. She thought thermoelectric materials have important research value and promising application prospect in transferring waste thermo energy into electricity. She also united their practical research experiences in modulating electrons and phonons structures in low-dimensional solids and applying in energy transfer, to briefly introduce their research progress in modulation of electric and sound transportation in one dimensional atomic chain, two dimensional atomic surface and superlattice.
As the alumna, Prof. Xie was also invited to communicate and exchange with sixteen student representatives from College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Physical Science and Technology and College of Materials. Beginning from a self-introduction as undergraduate enrolled in 1984, Prof. Xie modestly said she did not have any specific goal, but she always insisted on serious attitude and try best to do things well, the students actively asked all kinds of questions to this senior sister who always smiles and has a good sense of humor and all the questions were answered patiently. In terms of personal choice, Prof. Xie said to the students, with the development of China social economy, the general environment allowed you to make choices for life by yourselves according to your own interest, so it is important to have a clear mind what your interests are! Prof. Xie love her work, she thought in spite the salary for teacher is not so high, but she can keep lifelong learning and improving herself during teaching and studying under the circumstance of knowledge fast upgrading and iteration.
Prof. Xie deeply inflected and motivated everyone who attended this lecture by means of her sagacity, eruditeness, passion and charm.
