Metal oxides for thermoelectric power generation and beyond

Abstract

Metal oxides are widely used in many applications such as thermoelectric, solar cells, sensors, transistors, and optoelectronic devices due to their outstanding mechanical, chemical, electrical, and optical properties. For instance, their high Seebeck coefficient, high thermal stability, and earth abundancy make them suitable for thermoelectric power generation, particularly at a high-temperature regime. In this article, we review the recent advances of developing high electrical properties of metal oxides and their applications in thermoelectric, solar cells, sensors, and other optoelectronic devices. The materials examined include both narrow-band-gap (e.g., Na x CoO2, Ca3Co4O9, BiCuSeO, CaMnO3, SrTiO3) and wide-band-gap materials (e.g., ZnO-based, SnO2-based, In2O3-based). Unlike previous review articles, the focus of this study is on identifying an effective doping mechanism of different metal oxides to reach a high power factor. Effective dopants and doping strategies to achieve high carrier concentration and high electrical conductivities are highlighted in this review to enable the advanced applications of metal oxides in thermoelectric power generation and beyond.