In Thermal Energy Engineering Lab, we study the transport, storage, and conversion of thermal energy at a wide range of scales, from the molecular to the continuum. By exploring new phenomena through fundamental research that integrates thermal science, fluid mechanics, solid state physics, and surface chemistry, we develop materials, devices, and systems for various applications such as power generation using thermoelectric conversion, thermal management of electronic devices and electric vehicles, and radiative cooling of buildings. With these, we aim to promote the efficient use of thermal energy and innovation in energy-saving technologies, and contribute to a sustainable society.
Mission
Optimal Utilization of Thermal Energy for Sustainable Society
Research
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Phonon Engineering
Thermal management / Phonon transport / Electron / Magnon / Nanostructures / Heat conduction measurement / Multi-scale simulations / First-principles calculations
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Materials Informatics
Materials exploration / Structure search / Huge computational space / Quantum computing / Quantum annealer / Hyperthermophysical materials / Robotics / Machine learning / Lab automation / Experiment automation
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Thermoelectric Materials
and DevicesEnergy harvesting / IoT / Thermoelectric property / Seebeck effect / Silicon / Natural cooling
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Dynamic Wetting Control
Solid-liquid contact line / Contact line friction / Contact angle hysteresis / Rapid wetting / Dynamic wetting / Surface microstructure / Surface wettability control / Phase change / Heat exchanger / Heat transfer enhancement
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Thermofluid Dynamics
in NanospaceNanomaterials (Carbon nanotubes, Graphene, Graphite, hBN, etc.) / Intercalation / Superionic conductors / Heat transport calculations
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Functionalization of
Nano Cellulose MaterialsSDGs / Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) / Hierarchical structure / Control of CNF alignment / Development of novel materials with high-performance thermal and electrical properties