Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting

Dear Colleagues,

In order to meet the ever-increasing energy demands of our societies in a climate-friendly fashion, we must continue to develop the present energy harvesting and recycling systems while looking for new sustainable solutions. In this regard, the thermoelectric phenomenon can be exploited to convert the large amounts of waste heat generated in our fossil-fuel-based economy (factories, houses, automobiles, etc.) into useful electric power. However, the low efficiency and high cost of conventional thermoelectric materials, together with the poor production scalability of thermoelectric devices, have impeded their mass deployment thus far.

Using novel inorganic materials, nanomaterials, and their hybrids with conductive organic molecules/polymers in thin films or bulk forms has proven to be a promising approach towards enhancing the thermoelectric properties of traditional materials and improving the efficiency of thermoelectric devices. However, the development of novel alloys and composites and the implementation of nanomaterials and organic semiconductors into large-sized real devices are major challenges. Crucial issues to be addressed include the materials’ chemical stability, toxicity, adaptability, scalability, flexibility, and mechanical robustness of the final devices. Toward this end, our Topic seeks to contribute to the thermoelectric energy-harvesting agenda through the most recent scientific and cross-disciplinary findings on thermoelectric materials and devices. We are inviting papers covering innovative scientific/technical developments, reviews, case studies, and analytical/assessment articles from all relevant disciplines.

Prof. Dr. Amir Pakdel
Dr. David Berthebaud
Topic Editors