PhD student 4: Novel Heusler & intermetallic compounds (bulk & thin films) with optimized properties for thermomagnetic generation
Eleonora Rusconi
Objectives
Thermomagnetic materials, to enable the conversion of waste heat to electricity, must show high magnetization variations with temperature, low latent heat and critical temperatures in the application range. To fulfil these requirements different series of bulk intermetallic materials of novel composition will be produced. A starting promising class is represented by Heusler compounds for their wide tunability of crystal structure, magnetic and thermodynamic properties by suitable changes in composition. NiMn-based Heuslers and other intermetallic compounds (of composition identified in WP3) will be prepared as bulk materials. Thin films (t<=1μm) of NiMnGa and of selected compositions will also be grown by r.f. sputtering to be exploited in miniature-scaled thermomagnetic generators (WP2). Reversibility and functional properties optimization will be obtained through microstructure control (defects, grain/particle size, twin boundaries). A thorough multiscale magnetic and structural/microstructural study will be performed by exploiting magnetometer/susceptometer techniques, AFM/MFM, X-Ray and electron microscopy techniques.
Expected Results
- Production of bulk materials and thin films (t<1μm) with optimized properties for thermomagnetic power generation.
- Establishment of processing methods and heat treatments to control microstructure.
Work Package
Beneficiary Host Institution
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
PhD enrollment at Università degli Studi di Parma