Electrodeposition of Thermoelectric Materials

Thermoelectric (TE) materials produce electrical energy when exposed to a thermal gradient and so have unsurprisingly gathered increasing interest as a promising tool in the route to reduced carbon energy emissions. However, many synthetic routes currently involve high-temperatures, oxygen-free environments and harsh chemical reagents. Electrochemistry offers an attractive alternate synthetic route for similar materials at greatly reduced temperatures, without the need for strong chemical reductants. This review looks at recent developments in the electrodeposition of TE materials, highlighting promising materials and techniques. It also outlines key challenges that must be addressed in order to advance the readiness of this technology for wider implementation.