Advanced Thermoelectric Design: From Materials and Structures to Devices

Abstract

The long-standing popularity of thermoelectric materials has contributed to the creation of various thermoelectric devices and stimulated the development of strategies to improve their thermoelectric performance. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarize the state-of-the-art strategies for the realization of high-performance thermoelectric materials and devices by establishing the links between synthesis, structural characteristics, properties, underlying chemistry and physics, including structural design (point defects, dislocations, interfaces, inclusions, and pores), multidimensional design (quantum dots/wires, nanoparticles, nanowires, nano-or microbelts, few-layered nanosheets, nano-or microplates, thin films, single crystals, and polycrystalline bulks), and advanced device design (thermoelectric modules, miniature generators and coolers, and flexible thermoelectric generators). The outline of each strategy starts with a concise presentation of their fundamentals and carefully selected examples. In the end, we point out the controversies, challenges, and outlooks toward the future development of thermoelectric materials and devices. Overall, this review will serve to help materials scientists, chemists, and physicists, particularly students and young researchers, in selecting suitable strategies for the improvement of thermoelectrics and potentially other relevant energy conversion technologies.

Tin-selenide as a futuristic material: properties and applications

“…[17][18][19][20][21] Excellent review article exists on thermoelectric materials consisting of fundamental properties to the thermoelectric device's nal design, growth, defects, working environment issues, and applications. 22 Other reviews that focusses on SnSe describes all the aspects mentioned above (like growth, defects, conguration, etc.). 23 The aim of this review is to summarize the ongoing progress on SnSe, SnSe 2 synthesis methods, materials properties, and its possible application in various elds.…”

Metavalent Bonding in Solids: Characteristic Representatives, Their Properties, and Design Options

“…They possess a high Seebeck coefficient like a semiconductor, high electrical conductivity like a metal, and low thermal conductivity like glass. [10][11][12][13][14][15] Apparently these properties benefit from the effective masses of charge carriers, which are closely related to the metavalent bonding (MVB) mechanism. [16,17] SnTe, Bi 2 Se 3 , and Bi 2 Te 3 are also investigated for their potential usage as topological insulators, an application benefitting from their unique band structure.…”

Crystal Structure and Physical Properties of the Lanthanum Chalcoantimonate TlLa2Sb3Se9

“…Research into chalcoantimonates has led to the discovery of several new compounds due to the structural distortions arising from the sterically active lone pair of electrons of the Sb 3+ ion. This typically results in low symmetry and large unit cells like in the tetrahedrites Cu 12 Sb 4 S 13 , [1,2] yielding a low thermal conductivity advantageous for thermoelectric materials [3–7] . Other chalcoantimonates such as the LAST compounds (Lead‐Antimony‐Silver‐Tellurium) [8] have also found success as thermoelectric materials.…”