Electrodeposition of V-VI Nanowires and Their Thermoelectric Properties

Abstract

Nanostructuration is an intensive field of research due to the appearance of interesting properties at the nanoscale. For instance, in thermoelectricity the most outstanding improvements obtained lately are related to phenomena that appear as a result of nano-engineering different materials. The thermoelectric effect is the direct conversion from temperature gradients into electricity and vice versa . When going to low dimensions, for example in the particular case of thermoelectric nanowires, the transport properties of phonons are modified with respect to those found in bulk leading to a higher thermoelectric figure of merit z . In more detail, this review tries to compile some of the landmarks in the electrodeposition of Bi 2 Te 3 -based nanowires. We will focus on the achievements using different templates, electrolytes and deposition modes. We will also summarize the measurements performed in those nanowires and the main conclusions that can be extracted from the published works. Finally, an update of nanowire-based thermoelectric generators is also included.

Revisiting anodic alumina templates: from fabrication to applications

“…In particular, the latter approach has yielded more successful results to date. Other effects, apart from the increase of phonon boundary scattering commented before, such as topological insulator effects associated with the appearance of surface electron states, among others, have been experimentally found in low dimensional structures such as nanowires fabricated inside alumina templates 27,28,246,277 . These effects have provided some of the latest breakthroughs in the field of thermoelectricity, both from the experimental and theoretical points of view.…”

“…These membranes can be further used as templates, for micro-and nano-structuration of different materials highly demanded in the nanotechnology field. Several distinct morphologies from solid nanowires [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] , segmented nanowires of varying composition [36][37][38] or diameter 37,39 , hollowed tubular wires also referred to as nanotubes [40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48] , nanocones 49 , Y-branched wires [50][51][52][53][54][55][56] , to 3D networks of interconnected nanowires 26, 57-62 can be obtained by filling the previously generated porous structure. This can be achieved through different growth techniques such as electrochemical deposition, CVD, ADL, sputtering, among others.…”

The Mixed-Layer Structures of Ikunolite, Laitakarite, Joséite-B and Joséite-A

“…The literature contains reports of many unnamed or inadequately characterized species (see review in [1]), even though fitted structures can be predicted for a majority, if not all, of these species based on the aforementioned structural models. Synthetic compounds derived from tetradymite have also attracted attention from materials science researchers, due to characteristics that enable their use as thermoelectric devices and topological insulators ( [9,10], and references therein). Like named minerals and other natural phases, synthetic products in the system Bi-Te (e.g., [11][12][13]) can also be interpreted in terms of different combinations and proportions of layers.…”

Thermal conductivity reduction by nanostructuration in electrodeposited CuNi alloys

“…In the last 30 years, the thermoelectric community has learned that nanostructuration can help to reduce the thermal conductivity of a great variety of materials. If they are properly done, these nanostructured thermoelectric materials can maintain the original power factor 24,25 , while reducing the thermal conductivity. This is the main objective of this work.…”