Susan Kauzlarich

Distinguished Professor, Chemistry
University of California, Davis

Unlocking the Potential of Complex Zintl Phases for Thermoelectrics

May 23

4:00–5:00 p.m.
Gowen Hall 201

Abstract

Zintl compounds can be described by a combination of ionic and covalent bonding, composed of electropositive cations which donate electrons to the more electronegative components that utilize the electrons to form various bonding motifs. My group has focused on Zintl compounds for their structural, chemical, and electronic properties. I will present our recent progress in rare earth containing Zintl phases which have promising thermoelectric properties in the context of important structural and electronic design. If there is time, I will also highlight some of our recent work in synthesis of Germanium nanocrystals.

Bio

Dr. Kauzlarich is a distinguished professor of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis, where she leads a research group focused on the synthesis and characterization of Zintl phases and nanoclusters with applications in the fields of thermoelectric materials, magnetic resonance imaging, energy storage, opto-electronics, and drug delivery. Dr. Kauzlarich has published over 250 peer-reviewed publications and has been awarded several patents. In 2009, she received the annual Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, which is administered by the National Science Foundation to acknowledge faculty members who raise the membership of minorities, women and disabled students in the science and engineering fields. In January 2022 she became Deputy Editor for the scientific journal, Science Advances.