Expanding thermoelectric horizons: Establishing correlations between thermoelectric parameters and multifunctional sensing signals

Thermoelectric (TE) materials have traditionally been explored for power generation and solid-state cooling. However, issues such as toxicity, limited conversion efficiency, poor long-term stability, and high cost continue to hinder their large-scale deployment. Recently, the intrinsic capability of TE materials to convert thermal stimuli into electrical signals has garnered increasing attention for multifunctional sensing applications, including tactile feedback, respiration monitoring, and remote thermal detection. TE-based sensors offer distinct advantages, such as fast response, high durability, and excellent signal reproducibility. In this perspective, we highlight three strategically important research directions to advance TE sensing: (1) investigating carrier dynamics during TE transduction, (2) correlating TE material performance with key sensing metrics via compositional and defect engineering, and (3) integrating materials design with machine learning-assisted optimization. Advancing these frontiers will lay the groundwork for next-generation TE sensors in the Internet of Things, personalized healthcare, and intelligent industrial monitoring.