Thermoelectric Materials 2001 - Research and Applications: Volume 691

Book excerpt: This book provides a benchmark for the state of the field of thermoelectric materials research and development. Highlights of the volume include results on superlattices that show a ZT = 2.4 at room temperature in p-type Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 superlattice thermoelectrics. In addition, preliminary results on p-n couple devices from these superlattices indicate fast-acting spot cooling in addition to improved performance. Thermoelectric materials are utilized in a wide variety of applications related to solid-state refrigeration or small-scale power generation. The book focuses on traditional thermoelectric materials new materials as well as developments in device engineering. Many papers presented here revolve around either maximizing the numerator of Z, called the power factor, or by minimizing l. Topics include: guidance to advanced thermoelectric research; skutterudites; new materials, approaches and measurements; clathrates; chalcogenides; devices; thermoelectric materials and devices - research and development; nanowires and oxides.