7 - Thermoelectric nanomaterials for temperature gradient sensing (heat nose)

Abstract

Solid-state thermoelectric devices are now utilized in a wide range of applications, from thermocouple sensors to power generators, due to the efficiency with which the heat gradients produced across the materials are exploited. This study aims to provide an overview of the thermoelectric phenomena, materials, and novel approaches to improve thermoelectric device performance. The improvement in the thermoelectric performance of nitrides, tellurides, sulfides, and oxides obtained by adopting various strategies was discussed. The effectiveness of several n and p-type thermoelectric materials in a variety of device applications is reviewed. We proposed a technique for measuring the heat gradient produced using these thermoelectric materials, and the future application of such heat noses was also discussed. Heat noses, which can perceive temperature gradients at certain time points, can be used effectively in fields of study and technology such as agriculture, ecology, climatology, and industrial applications.