Thermoelectric materials and devices fabricated by additive manufacturing

Abstract

Thermoelectric (TE) materials can directly convert thermal energy into electrical energy and vice versa. However, the conversion efficiencies of TE power generators and coolers are lower than those of traditional electric generators and refrigerators. Precision control of TE material composition, development of new preparation technologies, and optimization of the geometric structures of devices are the primary strategies for enhancing conversion efficiencies. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a bottom-up synthesis approach that can produce complex geometries from three-dimensional model data. This technique has many advantages, such as rapid fabrication of complex geometric structures, mass-customization saving raw materials and time, and reduced fixturing and tooling. Therefore, additive manufacturing is particularly suitable for fabrication of almost any shape of TE material or device. Additive manufacturing is a rapidly expanding topic in research and technology. The application of additive manufacturing techniques to TE materials and devices is in its infancy but is an emerging topic. This article provides a brief review of the research progress and existing problems in TE materials and devices fabricated by additive manufacturing. Several additive manufacturing techniques for TE materials and devices are highlighted: stereolithography apparatus, fused deposition modelling, selective laser melting/sintering, and solution printing. The challenges of additive manufacturing techniques for TE materials are also discussed.