Recent advances in π-conjugated organic thermoelectric materials: molecular design, properties, and applications

Abstract

Organic thermoelectric materials have emerged as promising candidates for sustainable energy conversion due to their flexibility, low cost, and tunable molecular structures. This review highlights recent advances in π-conjugated systems based on fullerene, perylene, pyrrole, and thiophene derivatives. Molecular engineering strategies, including doping control, side-chain modification, and nanocomposite formation, are discussed to enhance electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. Fullerene systems demonstrate exceptional n-type behavior and interfacial tunability. Perylene derivatives enable air-stable n-type performance with high power factors. Pyrrole-based polymers show improved thermoelectric efficiency through structural ordering and hybridization. Thiophene-based materials exhibit high carrier mobility and versatile molecular design for optimized energy conversion. Overall, these advances provide valuable design guidelines for next-generation flexible thermoelectric devices and waste heat recovery applications.