Advances in thermoelectric materials research: Looking back and moving forward

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Physics
• Energy Science

Background:

• Thermoelectric materials enable direct thermal-to-electrical energy conversion, a key technology for renewable energy.
• The field of thermoelectric materials research has experienced periods of stagnation, requiring new scientific paradigms for advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review emerging mechanisms that can overcome limitations in thermoelectric materials performance.
• To highlight promising materials, synthesis techniques, and future opportunities in thermoelectric research.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature focusing on novel approaches in thermoelectric materials.
• Analysis of mechanisms including defects, size effects, critical phenomena, anharmonicity, and spin effects.
• Discussion of advanced material synthesis and preparation techniques.

Main Results:

• Identification of several potentially paradigm-changing mechanisms that decouple interdependent physical properties.
• Demonstration that these mechanisms can lead to significantly higher thermoelectric material performance.
• Overview of promising materials and advanced fabrication methods.

Conclusions:

• New paradigms, particularly those leveraging defects and quantum phenomena, are crucial for advancing thermoelectric materials.
• Sustained progress in thermoelectric research could significantly impact the renewable energy landscape.
• Further exploration of these mechanisms and materials is essential for future energy solutions.