Warming up to sustainable power
Driven to materialise sustainable energy practices, SINGA scholar Kivanc Saglik is developing thermoelectric semiconductors to generate power from waste heat sources.
As fossil fuel reserves dwindle and the global energy crisis intensifies, materials scientists are finding ways to turn the heat into opportunity—for one, by transforming what most might consider ‘waste heat’ into electricity. In capturing the excess heat from car engines, factories and other parts of our built environment, thermoelectric technologies are emerging as a set of promising solutions for cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
These innovations rely on special materials called semiconductors, which can be engineered to control flows of electricity and heat. In thermoelectric devices, semiconductors can generate electric currents by creating a temperature difference between two surfaces, guiding electrons from the hotter surface to its colder counterpart.
One young researcher with an interest in thermoelectrics and their potential in greener energy technologies is Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) scholar Kivanc Saglik. As a PhD researcher based at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) and A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Saglik aims to overcome the hurdles of upcycling discarded electronics into new, functional semiconductors. By reducing the need for costly raw materials and energy-intensive processes, her work seeks to create a sustainable production cycle while meeting the growing demand for efficient, durable thermoelectric devices.
In this interview with A*STAR Research, Saglik reflects on her early fascination for chemistry and materials science, discusses the potential of thermoelectric technologies and offers perspectives on the challenges of STEM careers.
Q: Tell us about your journey as a scientist.
It started with a fascination for chemistry and materials science back in high school. I was that kid who loved mixing creams and perfumes at home, and watching them react and precipitate. I was always curious how things worked at the molecular level.
This curiosity naturally led me to study chemistry, where my interest in sustainable energy and environmental issues really took off. My final years at university included courses in sustainable development and environmental chemistry, which opened my eyes to how the way we produce energy impacts our planet. I became passionate about finding solutions to the energy crisis, the toxic nature of conventional energy sources, and the need for sustainable solutions to ensure a liveable world for future generations.
The SINGA scholarship was a pivotal moment in my journey that supported my dreams, both academic and personal. It provided me with the opportunity to conduct research at NTU’s School of Materials Science and Engineering, as well as IMRE—both renowned institutions. This allowed me to learn from leading experts in the field and broaden my academic horizons. Also, as an international student, I was able to immerse myself in Singapore’s rich culture, which greatly enriched my personal development....
More https://bit.ly/40JIqEX
Source A*STAR Research | Agency for Science, Technology and Research