The JQHe Research Lab advances functional materials through an integrated approach combining Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermoelectric Materials and Device Physics, and Structure–Property Relationship studies.
We utilize advanced TEM techniques—such as high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), scanning TEM (STEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and in-situ TEM—to explore materials at the atomic level. These tools allow us to examine structural defects, interfaces, and phase transformations that critically influence material performance.
Our work on thermoelectric materials focuses on converting heat into electricity, aiming to enhance energy conversion efficiency. We investigate both bulk and low-dimensional systems, including chalcogenides, skutterudites, and 2D materials, analyzing key transport properties like the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. We also explore scalable synthesis and device integration.
A central theme across our research is understanding the structure–property relationship. By correlating microstructural features—such as grain boundaries, dislocations, and nanoscale heterogeneity—with functional properties, we seek to tailor thermal and electronic transport behaviors.
By bridging atomic-scale characterization, energy material development, and fundamental structure–function insights, our lab contributes to the discovery and optimization of advanced materials for thermoelectric and solid-state energy applications.
I. B.H. Jia, D. Wu, L. Xie, W. Wang, T. Yu, S.Y. Li, Y. Wang, Y. Xu, B.B. Jiang, Z. Chen, Y.X. Weng, J.Q. He*, Pseudo-nanostructure and trapped-hole release induce high thermoelectric performance in PbTe, Science, 384(2024) 81-86.
II. Y. Lu, Y. Zhou, W. Wang, M. Hu, X. Huang, D. Mao, S. Huang, L. Xie, P. Lin, B.B. Jiang, B. Zhu, J. Feng, J. Shi, Q. Lou, Y. Huang, J. Yang, J. Li, G.D. Li, and J.Q. He*, Staggered-layer-boosted flexible Bi2Te3 films with high thermoelectric performance, Nature Nanotechnology, 18(2023)1281-1288.
III. B.B. Jiang, W. Wang, S. Liu, Y. Wang, C. Wang, Y. Chen, L. Xie, M. Huang and J.Q. He*, High figure-of-merit and power generation in high-entropy GeTe-based thermoelectrics, Science, 377(2022) 208-213
IV. B.B. Jiang, Y. Yu, J. Cui, X.X. Liu, L. Xie, J. Liao, Q. Zhang, Y. Huang, S. Ning, B.H. Jia, B. Zhu, S.Q. Bai, L.D. Chen, S. J Pennycook, and J.Q. He* High-Entropy Stabilized Chalcogenides with High Thermoelectric Performance, Science, 371(2021) 830-834.
V. L. Xie, J.H. Feng, R. Li, and J.Q. He*. First-principles study of anharmonic lattice dynamics in low thermal condcutivity AgCrSe2: Evidence for a large resonant four-phonon scattering, Physical Review Letters, 125(2020)245901.
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