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- Structural and Optical Characterization of Mechanochemically Synthesized CuSbS2† [Abstract]Publication . Esperto, Luís; Figueira, Isabel; Mascarenhas, João; Silva, Teresa; Correia, J.B.; Neves, FilipeABSTRACT: The present work describes experimental studies related to the characterization of CuSbS2 directly synthesized after 2 h of mechanochemical synthesis (MCS) at 340 rpm, starting from mixtures of elemental powders. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy were carried out to analyze the crystal structure, degree of crystallinity, crystallite size and optical properties of the mechanochemically synthesized CuSbS2 powders. Rietveld refinement was carried out using Diffrac. TOPAS (Bruker AXS). Thermal stability of the synthesized materials was evaluated by the vacuum thermal heat treatment of the mechanochemically synthesized CuSbS2 powders at 350 °C for 24 h. Furthermore, the CuSbS2 powders were also analyzed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), laser diffraction, and differential thermal analysis.
- START Newsletter: Recover-Reform-Reuse for a Sustainable Future, Issue 4Publication . Neves, Filipe; Vicenzi, BrunoABSTRACT: We are almost halfway through the project activities and what a journey this has been! The advances we have made together are nothing short of remarkable. This edition of our Newsletter is a testament to our collective dedication and the exciting progress we’ve achieved. The completion of our first Periodic Report marks a significant milestone, and the advancements in tetrahedrite mineral-based thermoelectric materials are not just promising—they’re a leap towards a sustainable future. We’re excited to share updates on our ongoing activities, our synergistic collaborations with the EHRASE cluster and THERMOS project, and insightful technical information on thermoelectric generators. But that’s not all, join us on the Consortium Tour, where this time SGUDS and IGME-CSIC take centre stage. Plus, don’t miss the insightful interview with Doug Crane from our Scientific Advisory Board, whose expertise enriches our understanding of thermoelectrics. This edition also features the fascinating adventures of Starty, exploring the practical uses of thermoelectric devices in a narrative that’s both educational and engaging. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate your visit to the START booth at the upcoming 40th International and 20th European Thermoelectric Conference, ICT/ECT 2024, in Krakow. We hope this Newsletter serves not only as a source of information but also as an inspiration for continued excellence. Stay connected with us for more exciting updates from START on our website and social media channels.
- Structural and optical characterization of mechanochemically synthesized CuSbS2 compoundsPublication . Esperto, Luís; Figueira, Isabel; Mascarenhas, João; Silva, Teresa; Correia, J.B.; Neves, FilipeABSTRACT: One of the areas of research on materials for thin-film solar cells focuses on replacing In and Ga with more earth-abundant elements. In that respect, chalcostibite (CuSbS2) is being considered as a promising environmentally friendly and cost-effective photovoltaic absorber material. In the present work, single CuSbS2 phase was synthesized directly by a short-duration (2 h) mechanochemical-synthesis step starting from mixtures of elemental powders. X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesized CuSbS2 powders revealed a good agreement with the orthorhombic chalcostibite phase, space group Pnma, and a crystallite size of 26 nm. Particle-size characterization revealed a multimodal distribution with a median diameter ranging from of 2.93 mu m to 3.10 mu m. The thermal stability of the synthesized CuSbS2 powders was evaluated by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. No phase change was observed by heat-treating the mechanochemically synthesized powders at 350 degrees C for 24 h. By UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy the optical band gap was determined to be 1.41 eV, suggesting that the mechanochemically synthesized CuSbS2 can be considered suitable to be used as absorber materials. Overall, the results show that the mechanochemical process is a viable route for the synthesis of materials for photovoltaic applications.
- START Newsletter: Recover-Reform-Reuse for a Sustainable Future, Issue 2Publication . Neves, Filipe; Vicenzi, BrunoABSTRACT: Welcome to the second issue of the START project Newsletter! In this issue, we will share with you some highlights from our recent events and activities, and you will learn more about START with STARTY, our friendly robot that helps us explain the project scope. In addition, we have two technical pills for you: one related to the geology of tetrahedrites (the main mineral used in START) and another describing the use of powder technology for processing tetrahedrites into high-performance thermoelectric materials. Finally, we will take you on a tour around two of our consortium partners: TEGnology (from Denmark) and RGS Development (from the Netherlands), both small enterprises that develop innovative thermoelectric solutions for different sectors.
- Starty explains START: Issue 2Publication . Neves, Filipe; Mascarenhas, JoãoABSTRACT: Learn more about START with the second multilingual issue of Starty, our friendly robot that helps us explain the project scope! In this issue, Starty addresses topics such as the link between raw materials and the energy transition and also presents the countries where the tetrahedrite mineral is collected for its incorporation in the production process of thermoelectric materials within the scope of the START activities.
- Starty explains START: Issue 1Publication . Neves, Filipe; Mascarenhas, JoãoABSTRACT: Multilingual edition of the first storyboard with Starty, as main character. Starty is a friendly robot who loves to explore and learn new things, he loves the environment and the planet, is at ease with mines and excavators, and likes to spare energy and resources! In this first issue, Starty explains the concept of the START project in an readily comprehensible way.
- The START Project: Creating a sustainable supply chain for green energy harvesting products by Powder MetallurgyPublication . Neves, Filipe; Vicenzi, Bruno; Bianchi, Alvise; Rosinski, M.ABSTRACT: Sustainable Energy Harvesting Systems Based on Innovative Mine Waste Recycling (START) is an Innovation Action project co-funded by the EU and its Horizon Europe programme. Using an advanced powder production and consolidation process, the project’s aim is to create a sustainable supply chain for green energy harvesting products by transforming sulphide materials from mining waste into sustainable high-added-value Powder Metallurgy components for tellurium-free thermoelectric (TE) devices. Here, the consortium members offer a comprehensive summary of START’s background, the innovative workflow developed, and its potential impact.