Advancements in thermoelectric materials: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Due to their broad range of uses in thermo-electric devices, aerospace, and other industries, thermoelectric materials have garnered much attention. To expand the scope of their applications, thermoelectric materials’ thermoelectric characteristics must be effectively improved. Improved thermoelectrical properties with advancement is one of the critical strategies. Even though it is challenging to do small-scale measurements, it is crucial to precisely gauge the thermoelectric characteristics of varying materials (organic/inorganic/MXenes). Two-dimensional materials have drawn much interest for technological applications because of their unique properties. MXenes are a class of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides that have garnered significant attention for their promising properties by showing high electrical conductivity, controllable thermal conductivity, and high Seebeck coefficient value making suitable candidates for thermoelectric energy conversion. Thermal and electrical parameters are currently measured using a variety of techniques. However, the advanced thermoelectric properties with advanced thermoelectric materials, such as thermopower, thermal conductance, and electrical conductivity, are compiled in this review. Also outlined are measurement techniques for thermoelectric properties of selected advanced and 2D materials. Lastly, the challenges of integrated measurement methods are suggested, and a few integrated measurement solutions that work well with many inorganic/organic composites and two-dimensional materials MXenes are most proposed.