Thermoelectrics: From Thermoelectric Figure of Merit to Device Design

Abstract Thermoelectrics is defined as direct energy conversion between the heat and electricity associated with thermoelectric power generation and refrigeration. Significant progress has been made in the theoretical understanding, materials and device preparation technology, and performance improvement of thermoelectrics since the Seebeck effect was found 200 years ago. Herein, the article starts with the basic physics concepts underlying the thermoelectric phenomenon, and the key descriptor for evaluating thermoelectric performance, the thermoelectric figure of merit ( ZT ), is introduced. The corresponding issues and strategies for pursuing higher ZT are discussed in detail, and a brief introduction of organic thermoelectric materials is given. The leading engineering challenges from the material to the device are further elaborated based on the state‐of‐the‐art device design. This article aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the scope of activities related to this area of scientific endeavor.