Thermoelectric transport in graphene and 2D layered materials

Abstract

In early 90s, Hicks and Dresselhaus proposed that low dimensional materials are advantages for thermoelectric applications due to the sharp features in their density-of-states, resulting in a high Seebeck coefficient and, potentially, in a high thermoelectric power factor. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are the latest class of low dimensional materials studied for thermoelectric applications. The experimental exfoliation of graphene, a single-layer of carbon atoms in 2004, triggered an avalanche of studies devoted to 2D materials in view of electronic, thermal, and optical applications. One can mix and match and stack 2D layers to form van der Waals hetero-structures. Such structures have extreme anisotropic transport properties. Both in-plane and cross-plane thermoelectric transport in these structures are of interest. In this short review article, we first review the progress achieved so far in the study of thermoelectric transport properties of graphene, the most widely studied 2D material, as a representative of interesting in-plane thermoelectric properties. Then, we turn our attention to the layered materials, in their cross-plane direction, highlighting their role as potential structures for solid-state thermionic power generators and coolers.