Thermoelectric Materials: New Approaches to an Old Problem

TLDR

Thermoelectrics, an established field, began with Seebeck’s 1823 discovery that a temperature gradient induces a voltage, forming the basis of thermocouples for temperature measurement and power generation. Lenz demonstrated a thermoelectric effect by placing water on a bismuth–antimony junction. Applying current to the junction froze the water, while reversing the current melted the ice, proving thermoelectric refrigeration.

Abstract

Thermoelectrics is an old field. In 1823, Thomas Seebeck discovered that a voltage drop appears across a sample that has a temperature gradient. This phenomenon provided the basis for thermocouples used for measuring temperature and for thermoelectric power generators. In 1838, Heinrich Lenz placed a drop of water on the junction of metal wires made of bismuth and antimony. Passing an electric current through the junction in one direction caused the water to freeze, and reversing the current caused the ice to quickly melt; thus thermoelectric refrigeration was demonstrated (figure 1).