Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
603243 Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science 2009 10 Pages PDF
Abstract

We review current progress in the understanding of interfaces in bulk thermoelectric materials. Following a brief discussion of the mechanisms by which embedded interfaces can enhance the electronic and thermal transport properties, we focus on emerging routes to engineer the nanoscale grain and interfacial structures in bulk thermoelectric materials. We address in particular (i) control of crystallographic texture, (ii) reduction of grain size to nanocrystalline dimensions, and (iii) formation of nanocomposite structures. While these approaches are beginning to yield promising improvements in performance, continued progress will require an improved fundamental understanding of the mechanisms governing the formation, stability, and properties of thermoelectric interfaces.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemical Engineering Colloid and Surface Chemistry
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