Premium
Organic Thermoelectric Materials: Emerging Green Energy Materials Converting Heat to Electricity Directly and Efficiently
Author(s) -
Zhang Qian,
Sun Yimeng,
Xu Wei,
Zhu Daoben
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201305371
Subject(s) - thermoelectric materials , materials science , thermoelectric effect , waste heat , electricity , thermoelectric generator , waste heat recovery unit , environmentally friendly , context (archaeology) , nanotechnology , process engineering , engineering physics , thermoelectric cooling , mechanical engineering , thermal conductivity , electrical engineering , engineering , composite material , ecology , paleontology , physics , heat exchanger , biology , thermodynamics
The abundance of solar thermal energy and the widespread demands for waste heat recovery make thermoelectric generators (TEGs) very attractive in harvesting low‐cost energy resources. Meanwhile, thermoelectric refrigeration is promising for local cooling and niche applications. In this context there is currently a growing interest in developing organic thermoelectric materials which are flexible, cost‐effective, eco‐friendly and potentially energy‐efficient. In particular, the past several years have witnessed remarkable progress in organic thermoelectric materials and devices. In this review, thermoelectric properties of conducting polymers and small molecules are summarized, with recent progresses in materials, measurements and devices highlighted. Prospects and suggestions for future research efforts are also presented. The organic thermoelectric materials are emerging candidates for green energy conversion.