Nano- and micro-fabrication techniques for improving thermoelectric materials and generators

Paul, D. J. (2017) Nano- and micro-fabrication techniques for improving thermoelectric materials and generators. In: Nandhakumar, I., White, N. M. and Beeby, S. (eds.) Thermoelectric Materials and Devices. Series: RSC energy and environment series (17). Royal Society of Chemistry: Cambridge, UK, pp. 83-108. ISBN 9781782623236 (doi: 10.1039/9781782624042-00083)

Abstract

Nanostructured materials can be used to improve the performance of thermoelectric materials. The theories required to understand how nanostructures affect the electric conductivities, thermal conductivities and Seebeck coefficients will be reviewed before examples will be provided of the enhanced performance that can be achieved through low-dimensional structures. Some of the best thermoelectric material performance results from the literature will be presented and compared to the best bulk material results. A review will also be presented of microfabricated thermoelectric generators with explanations of the key output parameters and how these parameters can be optimised for applications. Microfabricated thermoelectric generators require less material than conventional pick-and-place systems allowing low-cost and higher power density thermal energy harvesting systems.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Paul, Professor Douglas
• Authors: Paul, D. J.
• Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Research Group: Semiconductor Devices
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• ISBN: 9781782623236

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
53353	2	Generate Renewable Energy Efficiently using Nanofabricated Silicon (GREEN Silicon.)	Douglas Paul	European Commission (EC)	N/A	ENG - ENGINEERING ELECTRONICS & NANO ENG