DC5 – Development of Interface Materials for Magnesium-Based Thermoelectric Devices
Objective: Develop low-temperature bonding and interface materials connecting magnesium-based thermoelectric legs to metallic contacts, aiming to reduce contact resistance and improve mechanical reliability.
Host Institution: University College Cork (UCC)
Location: Cork, Ireland
Main Supervisor: Dr. Kafil M. Razeeb (University College Cork), Ireland
Co-Supervisors: Dr. Alexandre Shen III-V Lab (France), Dr. Marisol Martin-Gonzalez CSIC (Spain)
Duration: 36 months (full-time employment)
PhD-awarding Institution: University College Cork
Project Overview
DC5 will focus on the development and evaluation of advanced interface material schemes for magnesium-based thermoelectric devices used in solid-state cooling applications.
The project will address the design and optimisation of interface materials and bonding strategies to achieve low electrical contact resistance, mechanical robustness, and long-term stability. A primary focus will be placed on compatibility with magnesium-based thermoelectric systems and industrially relevant fabrication routes.
The project will combine electrical, thermal, structural, and thermo-mechanical characterisation to establish interface-performance relationships and identify processing- and operation-induced failure mechanisms, ensuring integration compatibility with thermoelectric modules developed within the consortium.
Research Tasks and Training Objectives
The Doctoral Candidate (m/f/div) will:
Develop and process interface materials and bonding strategies for magnesium-based thermoelectric devices
Investigate structural, electrical, thermal, and thermo-mechanical properties of interfaces
Analyse interdiffusion, reaction layers, and contact resistance phenomena
Optimise interface concepts to achieve low electrical resistance and high long-term reliability
Study degradation mechanisms under thermal cycling and operational conditions
Support the integration of the developed interface into thermoelectric modules
Collaborate closely with modelling, materials, and module-focused DCs within the network
Participate in secondments, network-wide scientific training, and transferable skills activities
Disseminate research results through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, and outreach initiatives
Secondments
To strengthen interdisciplinary and intersectoral training, DC5 will undertake the following secondments:
- III-V Lab (France) – 2 months
Focus: Industrial interface fabrication strategies and device-level requirements - CSIC (Spain) – 2 months
Focus: Interface materials analysis and reliability assessment - DLR (Germany) – 2 months
Focus: Integration of optimised interfaces into thermoelectric modules and system-level evaluation
Requirements
Education
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field. Applicants must be eligible to enrol in a PhD programme at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland.
Technical Competences
Strong background in materials interfaces, thin films, joining technologies, or device fabrication
Experience with experimental materials characterisation techniques
Knowledge of electrical and thermal transport phenomena is advantageous
Understanding of thermo-mechanical behaviour and reliability testing is beneficial
Interest in thermoelectric devices and energy-related materials
Personal Skills
Strong analytical and experimental problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and within an international interdisciplinary research network
Excellent written and spoken English
Join MGICIAN as a Doctoral Candidate
Apply now and become part of MGICIAN as a Doctoral Candidate. Shape the future of sustainable solid-state cooling with us.