Thermoelectric Materials and Applications: A Review

Abstract

Solid-state energy conversion has been established as one of the most promising solutions to address the issues related to conventional energy generation. Thermoelectric materials allow direct energy conversion without moving parts and being deprived of greenhouse gases emission, employing lightweight and quiet devices. Current applications, main thermoelectric material classes, and manufacturing methods are the topics of this work; the discussion revolves around the crucial need for highly performing materials in the mid-temperature range, and around the development of more scalable fabrication technologies. The different manufacturing methods for thermoelectric bulk materials and films are also discussed. Small-scale technologies are generating increasing interest in research; the high potential of aerosol jet printing is highlighted, stressing the many advantages of this technology. A promising approach to scale the production of miniaturized thermoelectric devices that combines high energy ball milling and aerosol jet printing is proposed in the conclusion.