Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Thermoelectric Materials—Strategies for Improving Device Performance and Its Medical Applications

Version 1 : Received: 24 June 2019 / Approved: 26 June 2019 / Online: 9 July 2019 (00:00:00 CEST)

How to cite: MohanKumar, P.; Jagadeesh Babu, V.; Subramanian, A.; Bandla, A.; Thakor, N.; Ramakrishna, S.; Wei, H. Thermoelectric Materials—Strategies for Improving Device Performance and Its Medical Applications. Preprints 2020, 2020110090. https://doi.org/10.3390/sci1020037 MohanKumar, P.; Jagadeesh Babu, V.; Subramanian, A.; Bandla, A.; Thakor, N.; Ramakrishna, S.; Wei, H. Thermoelectric Materials—Strategies for Improving Device Performance and Its Medical Applications. Preprints 2020, 2020110090. https://doi.org/10.3390/sci1020037

Abstract

Thermoelectrics, in particular solid-state conversion of heat to electricity and vice versa, is expected to be a key energy harvesting and temperature management solution in coming years. There has been a resurgence in the search for new materials for advanced thermoelectric energy conversion applications and to enhance the properties of existing materials. In this paper, we review recent efforts on improving figure-of-merit (ZT) through alloying and nano structuring. As heatsink characteristics dictate the performance of thermoelectric modules, various types of heatsink designs has been investigated. Several reported strategies for improving ZT are critically assessed. A notable increase in figure-of-merit of thermoelectric materials (TE) has opened up new areas of applications especially in the medical field. Peltier cooling devices are widely employed for patient core temperature control, skin cooling, medical device and laboratory equipment cooling. Application of these devices in the medical field both in temperature control and power generation has been studied in detail. It is envisioned that this study will provide profound knowledge on the thermoelectric based materials and its role in medical applications.

Keywords

thermoelectric; figure-of-merit; Peltier; Seebeck; thermoelectric generator; cooling

Subject

Chemistry and Materials Science, Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

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