Recent advances in thermoelectric materials. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gayner, Chhatrasal; Kar, Kamal K.
• Is Part Of: Progress in materials science. Volume 83(2016)
• Page Start: 330
• Page End: 382
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: α Seebeck coefficient -- γ acoustic phonon Grüneisen parameter -- θD Debye temperature -- κ total thermal conductivity -- κlattice lattice thermal conductivity -- κC, κe charge-carrier thermal conductivity -- μ mobility -- η efficiency -- ρ density -- σ electrical conductivity -- a lattice parameter -- Cp specific heat -- h Planck's constant -- kB Boltzmann constant -- Tcold cold-end temperature -- Thot hot-end temperature -- ZT figure of merit -- ASSET atomic-scale structural engineering of thermoelectrics -- CVD chemical vapor deposition -- CNTs carbon nanotubes -- DOS density of states -- DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide -- EG ethylene glycol -- fH full-Heusler -- HP hot pressing -- HH half-Heusler -- LAST AgPbmSbTe2+m -- LASTT AgPbmSnnSbTe2+m+n -- MWCNTs multiwalled carbon nanotubes -- NPs nanoparticles -- PEDOT poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) -- PEDOT:Tos PEDOT:tosylate -- PGEC phonon glass electron crystal -- PTH polythiophene -- PSS poly(styrenesulfonate) -- PANI polyaniline -- PVDF polyvinylidene difluoride -- QDSL quantum dot superlattice -- SEM scanning electron microscope -- SWCNTs single-walled carbon nanotubes -- SPS spark plasma sintering -- Tos tosylate -- vol% volume percent; Materials science -- Periodicals; Science des matériaux -- Périodiques; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2016.07.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0079-6425

Abstract

Abstract: Thermoelectric materials are crucial in renewable energy conversion technologies to solve the global energy crisis. They have been proven to be suitable for high-end technological applications such as missiles and spacecraft. The thermoelectric performance of devices depends primarily on the type of materials used and their properties such as their Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability. Classic inorganic materials have become important due to their enhanced thermoelectric responses compared with organic materials. In this review, we focus on the physical and chemical properties of various thermoelectric materials. Newly emerging materials such as carbon nanomaterials, electronically conducting polymers, and their nanocomposites are also briefly discussed. Strategies for improving the thermoelectric performance of materials are proposed, along with an insight into semiconductor physics. Approaches such as nanostructuring, nanocomposites, and doping are found to enhance thermoelectric responses by simultaneously tuning various properties within a material. A recent trend in thermoelectric research shows that high-performance thermoelectric materials such as inorganic materials and carbon nanomaterials/electronically conducting polymer nanocomposites may be suitable for power generation and energy sustainability in the near future.