Acquisition of a Properties Measurement System for Education and Research in Energy Related Materials
 

Investigators:          Trevor A. Tyson,  New Jersey Institute of Technology (tyson@adm.njit.edu, tel:  973-642-4681)
                             Zafar Iqbal,  New Jersey Institute of Technology (iqbal@adm.njit.edu, tel:  973-596-8571)

                             N. M. Ravindra, New Jersey Institute of Technology (ravindra@adm.njit.edu, tel:  973-596-3278)
                             Marino Xanthos, New Jersey Institute of Technology (xanthos@adm.njit.edu, tel:  973-642-4585)
                             Tao Zhou, New Jersey Institute of Technology (taozhou@adm.njit.edu, tel:  973-642-4931)
 

Funding Source:  National Science Foundation, Major Research Instrumentation Grant DMR 0923032   
      
Contact for Access:  Trevor A. Tyson, New Jersey Institute of Technology (tyson@adm.njit.edu, tel:  973-642-4681)

Abstract
    There is a critical and growing need to develop new and novel materials for energy storage and energy conversion and recovery. As a part of an effort to strengthen the base of knowledge in the United States in this area, the Materials Science and Engineering Program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), is developing a new Masters degree in Materials for Energy Efficiency. This degree will emphasize both course work and extensive hands-on materials preparation and characterization in thermoelectric materials, fuel cells and emerging battery technologies, photo-electrochemical hydrogen generation materials, hydrogen storage materials and other energy related systems. As a central part of this effort we are seeking to acquire a physical properties measurement system to enable the determination of thermal transport (Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity), heat capacity, and electron transport (AC/DC Resistivity and Hall Effect) properties of materials. Optical access by light pipes and fiber optic cables will enable the study of photovoltaic systems and photo-electrochemical hydrogen generation materials. Measurements over the temperature range of 2 K to 400 K will be possible. The availability of high magnetic fields will enable the isolation of the spin contribution to thermal properties. An integrated helium recovery system will enable very low operating cost and facilitate its continuous use and accessibility by students and researchers. NJIT will provide all support facilities needed to operate this instrument. Stationing the instrument in the NJIT York Materials Characterization Facility makes it accessible to students and researchers at NJIT. The instrument will also be utilized in a transition metal oxide preparation and characterization workshop for Newark area high school students.



 

Summary of Current Progress ( Equipment on Order, Expected Delivery in May 2010)

Capabilities of Quantum Design Physical Properties Measurement System

1. Temperature Range- 1.9 to 400K

2.  Magnetic Field Range- 0 to 9 Tesla

3.  Helium Recovery and Liquefaction (300K He gas converted back to He Liquid)

4. AC/DC Transport (Hall Effect)

5. Heat Capacity

6. Thermal Conductivity