Topological quantum magnets for transverse thermoelectric energy conversion

Abstract

Topological quantum materials attracted widespread interest due to their fundamental and technological importance. Topological insulators to Dirac/Weyl semimetals have provided a range of exotic electronic structures such as topological surface states and linear band dispersion. The special electronic structure features in the topological materials such as Weyl nodes and nodal lines can create various exotic and enhanced properties including thermoelectrics. The majority of thermoelectric research has focused on the typical longitudinal thermoelectric response to a temperature gradient i.e. the Seebeck effect. In the present review, we discuss an important direction of thermoelectrics based on the transverse thermoelectric effect i.e. the Nernst effect where an electrical signal is generated in the presence of a mutually perpendicular magnetic field and temperature gradient. In the present review, first, we introduce topological materials and the Nernst thermoelectric effect. We then provide discussion with examples of materials from the latest development. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in this field.