Water-processable polymer-nanocrystal hybrids for thermoelectrics.

See, Kevin C; Feser, Joseph P; Chen, Cynthia E; Majumdar, Arun; Urban, Jeffrey J; Segalman, Rachel A · Nano Lett · 2010

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We report the synthesis and thermoelectric characterization of composite nanocrystals composed of a tellurium core functionalized with the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Solution processed nanocrystal films electronically out perform both PEDOT:PSS and unfunctionalized Te nanorods while retaining a polymeric thermal conductivity, resulting in a room temperature ZT ∼ 0.1. This combination of electronic and thermal transport indicates the potential for tailored transport in nanoscale organic/inorganic heterostructures.

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