Design of Thermoelectric Materials and Modules for Power Generation Below 300 °C and Cooling Applications Near Room Temperature.

Liang, Zhongxin; Ren, Zhifeng · Adv Mater · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The discovery of Bi<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>3</sub> semiconducting alloys in the 1950s catalyzed advancements in the development of compact Peltier cooling devices for solid-state active temperature control. Recently, thermoelectric power generators based on the Seebeck effect have been explored as a means to recover ubiquitous waste heat for enhanced energy efficiency. However, it has become increasingly clear that the competitiveness and market viability of these devices are largely limited to near-room-temperature operation. In this perspective, a timely, application-oriented framework is provided for evaluating and selecting materials with favorable near-room-temperature Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects. By integrating materials-level innovations, performance optimization strategies, and device-level considerations, promising candidates are highlighted, critical scientific challenges are identified, and actionable directions are proposed to accelerate the translation of thermoelectric materials into next-generation commercial devices with improved performance.