Journal of Research in Physics and Applied Sciences ISSN: 3139-1397 (Online)

Authors : Dr. Ramesh Kumar , Sneha Shastri

Abstact : Thermoelectric materials convert temperature gradients directly into electrical energy, offering a sustainable solution for waste heat recovery and energy harvesting. This paper reviews recent advancements in thermoelectric materials, focusing on materials with high thermoelectric performance such as bismuth telluride, lead telluride, and skutterudites. We discuss the principles of thermoelectric effect, including the Seebeck effect, and the parameters that influence thermoelectric efficiency such as the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. Through experimental and theoretical analyses, we highlight how nanostructuring and doping can enhance these parameters, leading to improved performance. Our findings indicate that materials with optimized nanostructures can achieve a figure of merit (ZT) greater than 2.0, paving the way for more efficient thermoelectric devices.

Keywords : Thermoelectric Materials, Energy Harvesting, Seebeck Effect,  anostructuring Waste Heat Recovery