Interview with Prof. Takao Mori - Guest Editor of Energy Materials
Energy Materials (EM) recently interviewed Prof. Takao Mori from the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Japan, who served as Guest Editor of the highly successful Special Topic "Thermoelectric Materials: Current Status and Future Challenges." The issue features 13 peer-reviewed articles, offering an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of recent progress in thermoelectric material synthesis, characterization, modeling, and device development.
In the interview, Prof. Mori discussed his team's work on developing high-performance thermoelectric materials for solid-state cooling and power generation, integrating advances in chemistry, physics, materials science, and device fabrication. He highlighted the importance of rare earth element doping in enhancing thermoelectric performance through enhanced phonon scattering and optimized material properties. Prof. Mori also addressed broader challenges in scaling thermoelectric devices, noting that additive manufacturing, polymer-based methods, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and closer industry collaboration will be key to future progress. For young researchers, Prof. Mori encouraged exploring thermoelectric research, describing it as a highly interdisciplinary and rewarding field that builds strong foundations across physics, chemistry, and materials science, although breakthroughs may take time.
Watch the following video for expert insights from Prof. Takao Mori:
Interview Questions:
1. Could you please introduce the current research directions of you and your team?
2. Thanks very much for your contributions to the Special Topic "Thermoelectric Materials: Current Status and Future Challenges" and for your support of our journal. The Special Issue successfully published 13 articles that provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in thermoelectric materials - from synthesis and characterization to modelling and device integration. When planning this issue, were there any specific themes or challenges in thermoelectric materials research that you considered particularly important to highlight? What motivated your focus on these aspects?
3. Doping is widely used to enhance thermoelectric performance. Rare earth elements, in particular, have demonstrated remarkable benefits in several studies. Could you share your insights on the role of rare earth element doping in thermoelectric materials and discuss the specific advantages these elements offer?
4. What challenges do you foresee in scaling thermoelectric materials from laboratory research to commercially viable devices? In your view, what approaches could help address these obstacles?
5. Could you share some research advice or words of encouragement for early-career scientists entering the field of thermoelectric materials?
About the Interviewee:
Prof. Takao Mori is the Deputy Director of the Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), NIMS, Japan, where he leads the Thermal Energy Materials Group. He is also a professor at the University of Tsukuba, Japan, and actively supports international research collaboration initiatives. His research focuses on high-performance thermoelectric materials for solid-state cooling and power generation, integrating chemistry, physics, materials science, and device fabrication. Prof. Mori explores strategies such as rare earth element doping and novel synthesis approaches to enhance thermoelectric efficiency, and addresses challenges in scaling materials for practical device applications.
Editor: Judy Zhang
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Energy Materials
