Recent trends and future perspectives of thermoelectric materials and their applications

Abstract

This review explores the ever-evolving landscape of thermoelectric materials, focusing on the latest trends and innovations in ceramics, thermally conductive gel-like materials, metals, nanoparticles, polymers, and silicon. Thermoelectric materials have garnered significant attention for their capability to convert waste heat into electrical power, positioning them as promising candidates for energy harvesting and cooling applications. This review distinguishes itself by highlighting recent advancements in synthesis methods, advanced doping strategies, and nanostructuring techniques that have markedly enhanced material performance. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the controlled properties concerning their synthesis parameters, such as electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, this work delves into the emerging applications of thermoelectric devices across diverse fields, including automotive, aerospace, wearable electronics, and industrial waste heat recovery. By offering forward-looking insights, this review outlines thermoelectric devices' challenges and future prospects, underscoring their potential to contribute to sustainable energy solutions and efficient thermal management systems. By integrating current trends with future projections, this review offers a timely and comprehensive roadmap for researchers and engineers dedicated to advancing next-generation thermoelectric technologies.