New and Old Concepts in Thermoelectric Materials

TLDR

Current research aims to increase the thermoelectric figure of merit by maximizing the power factor and/or minimizing thermal conductivity. The paper surveys key concepts, current understanding, and recent developments in thermoelectric materials, focusing on promising bulk materials and emerging opportunities for enhanced performance. It reviews strategies such as developing new materials, doping, nanoscale engineering, solid‑solution alloying, and nanostructuring to boost power factor and lower thermal conductivity, and discusses single‑phase bulk materials and bulk nanostructured composites. The study highlights the most promising bulk thermoelectric materials, summarizing key results from the last decade.

Abstract

Abstract Herein we cover the key concepts in the field of thermoelectric materials research, present the current understanding, and show the latest developments. Current research is aimed at increasing the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) by maximizing the power factor and/or minimizing the thermal conductivity. Attempts at maximizing the power factor include the development of new materials, optimization of existing materials by doping, and the exploration of nanoscale materials. The minimization of the thermal conductivity can come through solid‐solution alloying, use of materials with intrinsically low thermal conductivity, and nanostructuring. Herein we describe the most promising bulk materials with emphasis on results from the last decade. Single‐phase bulk materials are discussed in terms of chemistry, crystal structure, physical properties, and optimization of thermoelectric performance. The new opportunities for enhanced performance bulk nanostructured composite materials are examined and a look into the not so distant future is attempted.