Energy conversion materials need phonons

Phonons, as bosonic particles unaffected by the Pauli exclusion principle or the Fermi level, are fundamental to understanding the physical properties of solid materials. Their interactions with electrons and the crystal lattices significantly influence transport phenomena, such as electrical conductivity, mobility, and magneto-transport processes. When an external electric field is applied to an electron within a solid, the electron interacts with lattice ions, causing distortions in the lattice. These distortions propagate as phonons, transferring the electron’s energy and momentum, thus facilitating electron transport. By controlling phonons and their interactions with lattices and electrons, we can deepen our understanding of solid materials and enhance their applications in energy conservation.