Enhancement of Thermoelectric Efficiency in PbTe by Distortion of the Electronic Density of States

P. Heremans, Joseph; Jovovic, Vladimir; S. Toberer, Eric; Saramat, Ali; Kurosaki, Ken; Charoenphakdee, Anek; Yamanaka, Shinsuke; Jeffrey Snyder, G.

doi:10.1126/science.1159725

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Enhancement of Thermoelectric Efficiency in PbTe by Distortion of the Electronic Density of States

Shared by NobleBlocks on Jul 25, 2008 • 12:00 AM UTC

Authors:

Joseph P. Heremans

Vladimir Jovovic

Eric S. Toberer

Abstract

The efficiency of thermoelectric energy converters is limited by the material thermoelectric figure of merit ( zT ). The recent advances in zT based on nanostructures limiting the phonon heat conduction is nearing a fundamental limit: The thermal conductivity cannot be reduced below the amorphous li...

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