Flexibilizing inorganic thermoelectrics

Abstract

This perspective highlights critical advancements in the design and fabrication of flexible inorganic thermoelectric materials and devices, which are central to the development of next-generation energy harvesting and thermal management technologies. By systematically analyzing ductile bulk materials, flexible thin films, and weavable fibers/yarns, the perspective identifies key pathways to overcome the long-standing trade-off between mechanical flexibility and thermoelectric performance. Seminal discoveries discussed include the introduction of warm metalworking for plastic manufacturing of brittle thermoelectric semiconductors, high-throughput screening of plastically deformable van der Waals thermoelectric materials, orientation engineering of high-performance thermoelectric thin films, and sandwich-engineered films that synergize ductility and thermoelectric performance. These insights span multiple length scales from atomic-scale structural modulation to macroscopic device engineering, offering guidance for both fundamental research and practical implementation. Future research directions include AI-assisted material and device design, scalable fabrication of fiber-based textile integration, and the development of robust interfaces and integrated architectures to bridge materials, processing, and systems. The collective strategies reviewed in this work lay the foundation for high-efficiency, durable, and wearable thermoelectric systems, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and smart electronic applications.