Developments in semiconductor thermoelectric materials

Abstract

A surge in interest in developing alternative renewable energy technologies has been observed in recent years. In particular, thermoelectrics has drawn attention because thermoelectric effects enable direct conversion between thermal and electrical energy, and provide power generation and refrigeration alternatives. During the past decade, the performance of thermoelectric materials has been considerably improved; however, many challenges continue to exist. Developing thermoelectric materials with superior performance means tailoring interconnected thermoelectric physical parameters-electrical conductivities, Seebeck coefficients, and thermal conductivities for a crystalline system. The objectives of this paper are to introduce the recent developments in semiconductor thermoelectric materials, and briefly summarize the applications of such materials.

Thermoelectric Generation Of Current – Theoretical And Experimental Analysis

“…300 K) the ZT coefficient of approximately 1. Material engineering seeks to develop new materials with a better ZT coefficient, allowing to increase the area of application and improve the efficiency of electric current generation [10].…”

The effect of synthesis technique on thermoelectric properties of nanocrystalline NaCo2O4 ceramics

“…In recent years, energy production and conversion are the most important activities of human civilization since primary energy sources decrease while demands increase (Li et al 2011;Dmitriev and Zvyagin 2010;Jood et al 2010). Hence, the need for sources of energy other than fossil fuels has prompted widespread research especially in renewable energy sources and energy conversion technologies (Minnich et al 2009).…”

“…Hence, the need for sources of energy other than fossil fuels has prompted widespread research especially in renewable energy sources and energy conversion technologies (Minnich et al 2009). Thermoelectric energy conversion technique has been considered as one of the most potential candidates because thermoelectric effects enable direct conversion between thermal and electrical energy and provide an alternative for power generation (Li et al 2011;Li et al 2009). Thermoelectric energy conversion efficiency is mainly determined by the figure of merit (ZT) defined as ZT = (S 2 /qj)T, where S, q, j, and T are Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and absolute temperature, respectively (Lan et al 2010).…”

“…A high-efficiency thermoelectric conversion requires simultaneously high Seebeck coefficient, low electrical resistivity, and thermal conductivity (Li et al 2011;Dmitriev and Zvyagin 2010). However, it is very difficult to control these three parameters independently.…”

“…Although oxides are thought to be very poor thermoelectric materials because of their low electrical conductivity, Na x Co 2 O 4 compounds exhibit simultaneously high thermoelectric power and low resistivity than typical metals (Li et al 2011). In addition, oxidebased thermoelectric materials have many advantages with respect to the conventional thermoelectric materials.…”