High-Entropy Thermoelectric Materials: Advances, Challenges, and Future Opportunities

Abstract

Thermoelectric conversion technology can realize direct conversion between heat and electricity, providing a promising approach to relieve the energy crisis. The application of thermoelectric technology is closely related to materials’ thermoelectric and mechanical properties. However, the strong coupling of key parameters involving charge carriers and phonon transport hinders the substantial improvements in overall thermoelectric performance. In recent years, a high-entropy strategy promoted remarkable progress in the field of thermoelectric materials by leveraging the four core effects. In this review, we first discuss the theoretical basis for how a high-entropy strategy synergistically optimizes thermoelectric performance. We then classify the examples where high-entropy effects can optimize electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties in thermoelectric materials. Following this, we summarize the overall advances that the high-entropy strategy has brought to thermoelectric materials and devices. Finally, we point out the remaining challenges in high-entropy thermoelectrics and offer perspectives on future research directions in this field.