Typical thermoelectric materials: Progress and prospects

Abstract

The widespread application of thermoelectric devices depends on the development of high-performance, reliable and cost-effective modules, especially in the fields of energy recovery and thermoelectric power generation. This paper systematically reviews the research progress of thermoelectric materials, focusing on several types of classical materials with excellent thermoelectric potential, including full-Heusler, half-Heusler, perovskite, Zintl compounds, fluorite and antifluorite compounds. These materials show great potential in improving thermoelectric performance. By analyzing their electrical transport properties, thermal transport properties and thermoelectric performance regulation methods, their development in hot areas is discussed, and their prospects in thermoelectric applications are prospected. This review aims to provide new theoretical basis and technical support for the design and development of high-efficiency thermoelectric materials in the future, so as to promote the further development and application of thermoelectric materials.