Description

This theme investigates the scientific foundations, materials development strategies, experimental characterization techniques, computational modelling approaches, and engineering applications of advanced functional materials used in modern power engineering and energy conversion technologies. It encompasses semiconductor materials, thermoelectric compounds, piezoelectric and ferroelectric ceramics, dielectric energy-storage materials, nanostructured composites, conductive thin films, two-dimensional materials, and multifunctional heterostructures. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the relationships among chemical composition, crystallographic structure, phase stability, lattice defects, grain boundaries, interface properties, electronic band structure, charge-carrier transport, thermal conductivity, dielectric behaviour, and energy conversion performance.