Postdoctoral Researcher From Technical University of Crete, Greece
Christos K. Mytafides is a dedicated researcher specializing in advanced multifunctional energy-harvesting materials. His expertise spans printed electronics, structural composites, and renewable energy applications. He is currently a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the Physical Chemistry & Chemical Processes Laboratory at the Technical University of Crete. His previous roles include PhD research positions at the University of Ioannina, the University of Miami, and Eindhoven University of Technology. His research primarily focuses on integrating energy-harvesting capabilities into composite materials, particularly through thermoelectric and optoelectronic technologies. His academic background includes a PhD and master’s degrees in Materials Science & Engineering, as well as Environmental Engineering. With numerous publications in high-impact journals and multiple prestigious scholarships, including the Fulbright Scholarship, Mytafides continues to contribute significantly to the field of sustainable energy technologies. His work has practical implications for developing next-generation materials with enhanced energy efficiency, sustainability, and functionality.
Professional Profiles
Education
Christos K. Mytafides holds a PhD in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of Ioannina, where he specialized in advanced multifunctional energy-harvesting materials. His doctoral research focused on integrating printed electronics with energy-harvesting capabilities in advanced structural composites. Prior to his PhD, he earned a Master’s Degree in Advanced Materials from the University of Ioannina, specializing in optoelectronic and magnetic materials. His master’s thesis explored the design and efficiency enhancement of dye-sensitized solar cells through plasmonic nanoparticles. Additionally, he obtained another Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering & Science from Democritus University of Thrace, where he focused on energy-efficient design and renewable energy applications. His thesis investigated transforming a university building into a zero-energy structure. His diverse academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in materials science, optoelectronics, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy solutions, all of which play a crucial role in his ongoing research contributions.
Professional Experience
Mytafides has amassed extensive experience in academia and research, with notable positions at prestigious institutions. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the Technical University of Crete’s Physical Chemistry & Chemical Processes Laboratory. Previously, he was a PhD Researcher at the University of Ioannina, where he explored multifunctional energy-harvesting materials. He also conducted research at the Advanced Nano Systems Laboratory at the University of Miami, focusing on multifunctional composites with embedded photo-thermal energy-harvesting capabilities. During a research traineeship at Eindhoven University of Technology, he worked on innovative solar cell materials and designs. His expertise includes additive manufacturing, thermoelectric generators, and carbon-based flexible electronics. His work integrates advanced material processing techniques with real-world applications, leading to the development of next-generation energy solutions. Mytafides’ research contributions are widely recognized, making him a key figure in energy-harvesting composite materials.
Research Interests
Mytafides’ research interests center on developing multifunctional materials for energy harvesting and sustainable applications. His work involves integrating printed electronics into composite materials to create energy-efficient structures. He is particularly interested in thermoelectric and optoelectronic materials, which have the potential to revolutionize energy sustainability. His expertise extends to carbon-based nanostructures, additive manufacturing, and hybrid energy systems that combine solar and thermal energy harvesting. By utilizing advanced material synthesis and characterization techniques, Mytafides aims to enhance energy conversion efficiency in various applications, including smart materials and green technologies. His work aligns with global efforts to develop innovative solutions for renewable energy and energy-efficient materials, with applications in aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering. His research contributions have been published in high-impact journals, highlighting his significant role in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Research Skills
Mytafides possesses extensive research skills in materials science, nanotechnology, and energy harvesting. He is proficient in advanced material characterization techniques such as spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. His expertise in additive manufacturing enables him to develop highly conductive carbon-based structures for flexible thermoelectric applications. He has experience with composite materials engineering, particularly in integrating energy-harvesting functionalities into fiber-reinforced polymers. His computational skills include simulation and modeling of energy conversion processes, optimizing material performance for real-world applications. Additionally, he has hands-on experience with printed electronics, allowing him to design and fabricate novel energy-efficient devices. His interdisciplinary approach combines experimental research with theoretical insights, leading to the development of high-performance materials for sustainable applications. His skillset makes him a valuable contributor to advancements in renewable energy and smart material technologies.
Awards and Honors
Mytafides has received numerous awards and distinctions for his research excellence. He was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship for PhD research at the University of Miami, where he studied multifunctional composites with embedded photo-thermal energy-harvesting capabilities. He also received funding from the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation and the National Strategic Reference Framework for his doctoral research. Additionally, he participated in the Erasmus+ Mobility program, which supported his research traineeship at Eindhoven University of Technology. His contributions have been recognized through multiple fellowships and research grants, reflecting his impact on the field of materials science and energy harvesting. These accolades highlight his commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and his ability to conduct high-impact research in collaboration with international institutions.
Conclusion
Christos K. Mytafides is a distinguished researcher in the field of advanced multifunctional energy-harvesting materials. His expertise in materials science, nanotechnology, and energy-efficient design has led to significant contributions in printed electronics, composite materials, and renewable energy technologies. His academic journey, spanning multiple prestigious institutions, has equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop next-generation sustainable energy solutions. His research has been widely recognized, with numerous publications, awards, and funded projects supporting his work. As a Postdoctoral Research Scientist, he continues to explore innovative ways to enhance energy conversion efficiency, aiming to develop smart, sustainable materials for various applications. His dedication to interdisciplinary research and collaboration ensures that his work remains at the forefront of scientific advancements in energy harvesting and materials engineering.
Publications Top Notes
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Advanced functionalization of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites towards enhanced hybrid 4-terminal photo-thermal energy harvesting devices by integrating dye-sensitized solar cells and thermoelectric generators
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Authors: Mytafides, Christos K.; Tzounis, Lazaros; Prouskas, Costas; Yentekakis, Ioannis V.; Paipetis, Alkiviadis S.
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Year: 2025
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A hierarchically modified fibre-reinforced polymer composite laminate with graphene nanotube coatings operating as an efficient thermoelectric generator
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Authors: Mytafides, Christos K.; Tzounis, Lazaros; Tsirka, Kyriaki; Karalis, George; Liebscher, Marco; Lambrou, Eleftherios; Gergidis, Leonidas; Paipetis, Alkiviadis
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Year: 2024
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Additive manufacturing of highly conductive carbon nanotube architectures towards carbon-based flexible thermoelectric generators
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Authors: Mytafides, Christos K.; Wright, William J.; Gustinvil, Raden; Tzounis, Lazaros; Karalis, George; Paipetis, Alkiviadis; Celik, Emrah
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Year: 2024
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Carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates as through-thickness thermoelectric generators
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Authors: Karalis, George; Tzounis, Lazaros; Tsirka, Kyriaki; Mytafides, Christos K.; Liebscher, Marco; Paipetis, Alkiviadis
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Year: 2022
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Automated detection-classification of defects on photo-voltaic modules assisted by thermal drone inspection
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Authors: Gurras, Arsenios; Gergidis, Leonidas; Mytafides, Christos K.; Tzounis, Lazaros; Paipetis, Alkiviadis S.
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Year: 2021
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Fully printed and flexible carbon nanotube-based thermoelectric generator capable for high-temperature applications
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Authors: Mytafides, Christos K.; Tzounis, Lazaros; Karalis, George; Formanek, Petr; Paipetis, Alkiviadis
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Year: 2021
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Printed Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube-Based Joule Heating Devices Integrated as Functional Laminae in Advanced Composites
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Authors: Karalis, George; Tzounis, Lazaros; Dimos, Evangelos; Mytafides, Christos K.; Liebscher, Marco; Karydis-Messinis, Andreas; Zafeiropoulos, Nikolaos E.; Paipetis, Alkiviadis
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Year: 2021
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A high-performance flexible and robust printed thermoelectric generator based on hybridized Te nanowires with PEDOT:PSS
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Authors: Karalis, George; Tzounis, Lazaros; Mytafides, Christos K.; Tsirka, Kyriaki; Formanek, Petr; Stylianakis, Minas M.; Kymakis, Emmanuel; Paipetis, Alkiviadis S.
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Year: 2021
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Advanced Glass Fiber Polymer Composite Laminate Operating as a Thermoelectric Generator: A Structural Device for Micropower Generation and Potential Large-Scale Thermal Energy Harvesting
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Authors: Karalis, George; Tzounis, Lazaros; Tsirka, Kyriaki; Mytafides, Christos K.; Itskaras, Angelos Voudouris; Liebscher, Marco; Lambrou, Eleftherios; Gergidis, Leonidas N.; Barkoula, Nektaria-Marianthi; Paipetis, Alkiviadis
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Year: 2021
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An Approach toward the Realization of a Through-Thickness Glass Fiber/Epoxy Thermoelectric Generator
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Authors: Karalis, George; Mytafides, Christos K.; Tzounis, Lazaros; Paipetis, Alkiviadis; Barkoula, Nektaria-Marianthi
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Year: 2021
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High-Power All-Carbon Fully Printed and Wearable SWCNT-Based Organic Thermoelectric Generator
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Authors: Mytafides, Christos K.; Tzounis, Lazaros; Karalis, George; Formanek, Petr; Paipetis, Alkiviadis S.
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Year: 2021
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Epoxy/glass fiber nanostructured p- and n-type thermoelectric enabled model composite interphases
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Authors: Karalis, George; Tsirka, Kyriaki; Tzounis, Lazaros; Mytafides, Christos K.; Koutsotolis, Loukas; Paipetis, Alkiviadis S.
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Year: 2020
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Hierarchical reinforcing fibers for energy harvesting applications—A strength study
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Authors: Karalis, George; Mytafides, Christos K.; Polymerou, Angelos; Tsirka, Kyriaki; Tzounis, Lazaros; Gergidis, Leonidas; Paipetis, Alkiviadis S.
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Year: 2020
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Design, fabrication and characterization of plasmon-enhanced dye-sensitized solar cells
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Transformation of a university building into a zero-energy building in Mediterranean climate
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Integrated architectures of printed electronics with energy-harvesting capabilities in advanced structural composites