Energy conversion is a critical international issue, environmentally, economically, and
even politically, making it one of the major scientific and engineering challenges of our
time.
For this reason, we have developed an international research training group together with our
partners at the Nagoya Institute of Technology in Japan.
FAU and NiTech have over 10 years of partnership, and now, as part of this international project,
we are training together the next generation of scientists and engineers in cutting-edge
sustainable energy solutions, developing new materials, structures, and devices.
This research is focused on novel, non-toxic, lead-free ceramics and semiconductors that
can be directly integrated into vibrational energy harvesters as well as solar cells,
and more specifically, we're investigating coupled functional properties, doping and
defects, internal strain field effects, the influence of external fields, as well as surface
and interface effects.
As part of this international project, we have developed a qualification program for
our doctoral researchers, including ring lectures, an invited lecture series, tutorials and hands-on
workshops, a yearly school, and soft skills training.
Through these activities, our members have access to cutting-edge research facilities,
excellent networking opportunities, and an international team of experts.
In total, there are 12 projects spanning multi-scale simulations, material synthesis, characterization,
and device development.
These projects work collaboratively, sharing ideas, knowledge, and facilities, and bringing
these disciplines together has already led to important discoveries.
You've certainly heard of a solar cell, and some of you might even have them on your house.
However, how do you generate energy in the dark?
Here, researchers in the International Research and Training Group are working on a class
of materials called perovskites that show both a photovoltaic effect required for solar
cells, but also an electromechanical coupling, meaning that the mechanical vibrations can
be converted into electrical energy.
By attaching them to, for example, a bridge or a walkway, mechanical impulses made by
cars or people can be used to generate energy.
We're considering a number of different methods to create these materials, such as solid-state
synthesis, additive manufacturing of 3D structures, solution processing of nanoparticles, single
crystal growth, and robot-assisted high-throughput methods.
In order to understand the material behavior across the length scales, various characterization
methods are being used, such as Raman spectroscopy, Piazza response force microscopy, X-ray diffraction
techniques, and transmission electron microscopy.
Here, connections to multi-scale simulations, from the atomic scale all the way up to phenomenological
models and finite element analysis, are critical.
In addition to science, another important aspect is the promotion of intercultural exchange
between Germany and Japan.
Here, research visits are important, giving members a chance to experience and work in
another culture.
And to foster intercultural understanding, we've also worked with the Institute of Japanese
Studies at FAU to develop language and cultural training events, as well as how-to guides
that explain various cultural aspects, such as why do some Germans wear socks with their
Birkenstock?
To learn more about our research and the International Research Training Group activities, come visit
our website.