Solution-synthesized nanostructured materials with high thermoelectric performance

Abstract

Facing the growing scarcity of traditional fossil fuels and the inefficiency of energy utilization, thermoelectric materials have garnered increasing attention due to their ability to convert between electrical and thermal energy. However, the strong coupling between thermoelectric parameters presents a significant challenge for simultaneously reducing thermal conductivity and maintaining electrical performance in bulk materials. The solution-based synthesis of nanostructured materials offers a promising approach for the decoupling regulation of electronic and phonon transport properties by regulating grain size and morphology, second phases, and surface ligands. The strategies for optimizing thermoelectric performance outlined above are founded upon several pivotal elements: the enhancement of grain boundary effects, precise regulation of grain stacking, utilization of heterogeneous interface effects, and generation of metastable phases and novel structural configurations facilitated by ligand management approaches. We have also comprehensively addressed the challenges associated with solution-based synthesis, particularly material oxidation and grain coarsening, along with their corresponding mitigation strategies. In addition, machine learning can effectively accelerate solution synthesis and the exploration of composite materials. This review summarizes and generalizes the research related to these strategies, providing recommendations for future research directions based on observed trends.