“…To address these concerns, we have evaluated polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) processed via thermolysis of silicon-based polymers in this study. PDCs possess the ability to become the next-generation sustainable thermoelectrics due to their inherent advantages of: (a) bottom-up synthesis that enables fine-tuning of ceramic microstructure and properties; (b) presence of nontoxic, inexpensive elements; (c) excellent high-temperature mechanical properties and high thermal stability (>2000 °C); and (d) ease of low-temperature processing (<800 °C). , Further, PDCs can exhibit thermoelectric properties due to the simultaneous presence of an amorphous matrix that lowers thermal conductivity (κ), − and free carbon (i.e., graphitic-like carbon) phase in a percolating network that enhances electrical conductivity (σ). ,, Although many studies have been undertaken to understand both these properties for PDCs, ,− there has been little if any published data that fully elucidate the entirety of their TE behavior.…”