The concept of enhanced thermoelectric performance through low thermal conductivity materials, first proposed by Glen Slack and now one of the key focus areas in the field of thermoelectrics research, relies on a fundamental understanding of phonon transport and structure-property relationships of complex materials and structure types. I will describe such an approach with a focus on specific requirements for materials properties that may lead to efficiently convert waste-heat to electrical energy. A fundamental understanding of bonding and what structurally relevant properties can provide desirable properties, although not very rigorous, is very useful. The predictive power of computational/theoretical methods to design appropriate compositions and modifications is a more powerful tool. In both cases, effective strategies for selecting thermoelectric material, specific compositions and doping for example, in order to achieve appropriate electronic structure modifications and/or effective phonon-scattering mechanisms is of interest. I will focus on recent bulk materials developments that incorporate some of these approaches as well as briefly describing device-related materials issues, an equally important aspect of the research effort, which can also benefit from new materials research. An exploration of the effects from nanostructuring in bulk thermoelectric materials in order to seek ways to further reduce the thermal conductivity while introducing energy scattering mechanisms that promote enhanced thermoelectric properties is also of interest. I will provide an overall perspective of some of the recent research I’ve been involved with while focusing on new materials-related approaches for thermoelectrics applications.

Open-framework and other low thermal conductivity materials: New materials research and theoretical guidance for thermoelectrics applications

250th National Meeting (2015)

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