Thermoelectric Nanostructures: From Physical Model Systems towards Nanograined Composites

Nielsch K, Bachmann J, Kimling J, Boettner H (2011)

Publication Status: Published

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2011

Journal

Advanced Energy Materials Wiley

Publisher: Wiley-VCH Verlag

Book Volume: 1

Pages Range: 713-731

DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201100207

Abstract

Thermoelectric materials could play an increasing role for the efficient use of energy resources and waste heat recovery in the future. The thermoelectric efficiency of materials is described by the figure of merit ZT = (S-2 sigma T)/kappa (S Seebeck coefficient, sigma electrical conductivity,. thermal conductivity, and T absolute temperature). In recent years, several groups worldwide have been able to experimentally prove the enhancement of the thermoelectric efficiency by reduction of the thermal conductivity due to phonon blocking at nanostructured interfaces. This review addresses recent developments from thermoelectric model systems, e. g. nanowires, nanoscale meshes, and thermionic superlattices, up to nanograined bulk-materials. In particular, the progress of nanostructured silicon and related alloys as an emerging material in thermoelectrics is emphasized. Scalable synthesis approaches of high-performance thermoelectrics for high-temperature applications is discussed at the end.

Authors with CRIS profile

Julien Bachmann Lehrstuhl für Chemistry of thin film materials

Involved external institutions

Universität Hamburg (UHH) DE Germany (DE) Fraunhofer-Institut für Physikalische Messtechnik (IPM) / Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Nielsch, K., Bachmann, J., Kimling, J., & Boettner, H. (2011). Thermoelectric Nanostructures: From Physical Model Systems towards Nanograined Composites. Advanced Energy Materials, 1, 713-731. https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.201100207

MLA:

Nielsch, Kornelius, et al. "Thermoelectric Nanostructures: From Physical Model Systems towards Nanograined Composites." Advanced Energy Materials 1 (2011): 713-731.

BibTeX: Download