Magnetic Fluids for Thermoelectricity

Abstract

The unique properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and their interactions with their environment have given rise to innovative R&D possibilities outside the field of conventional magnetism. One such example is in the field of energy science, and in particular, the thermal engineering. In this respect, research on refrigeration technology based on the magnetoconvection property of ferrofluids (FF) has attracted great attention in the past decades. On the other hand, the thermoelectric energy conversion (or more commonly known as “thermopower”) in ferrofluids has so far remained underexplored. This subchapter describes this very new research path in the field of magnetic nanoparticle science, from its theoretical background and motivation, a few existing example of experimental investigations and the future perspectives. The unique properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and their interactions with their environment have given rise to innovative R&D possibilities outside the field of conventional magnetism. One such example is in the field of energy science, and in particular, the thermal engineering. In this respect, research on refrigeration technology based on the magnetoconvection property of ferrofluids (FF) has attracted great attention in the past decades. On the other hand, the thermoelectric energy conversion (or more commonly known as “thermopower”) in ferrofluids has so far remained underexplored. This subchapter describes this very new research path in the field of magnetic nanoparticle science, from its theoretical background and motivation, a few existing example of experimental investigations and the future perspectives.