Abstract
By employing a semiclassical Boltzmann transport equation and using an energy and size-dependent relaxation time (τ) approximation (RTA), we evaluate the thermoelectric figure-of-merit ZT of a quantum wire with rectangular cross-section. The inferred ZT shows abrupt enhancement in comparison with its counterparts in bulk systems. Still, the estimated ZT for the representative Bi2Te3 nanowires and its dependence on wire parameters deviate considerably from those predicted by the existing RTA models with a constant τ. In addition, we address contribution of the higher energy subbands to the transport phenomena, the effect of chemical potential tuning on ZT, and correlation of ZT with quantum size effects (QSEs). Particularly, we show that within each subband, ZT has an optimum value which depends on wire dimensions and chemical potential. The obtained results are of general validity for a wide class of systems and may prove useful in the ongoing development of the modern thermoelectric applications.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
