David McCauley with Alexis Abramson (Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering)

Seebeck Coefficient of a Biologically Inspired Electrolytic Solution

(started in spring 2010 and finishing in fall 2010)

The seebeck coefficient is a measurement of the ability of a material to turn a temperature differential into a voltage differential. This has many applications including thermoelectric power generation and the creation of temperature sensors. We will attempt to characterize and explain the seebeck coefficient behavior of a biologically inspired electrolytic solution, an explanation of which might lead to new thermoelectric applications (which may also be explored).