Work

Towards a dynamical approach to the calculation of the figure of merit of thermoelectric nanoscale devices

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Research on thermoelectrical energy conversion, the reuse of waste heat produced by some mechanical or chemical processes to generate electricity, has recently gained some momentum. The calculation of the electronic parameters entering the figure of merit of this energy conversion, and therefore the discovery of efficient materials, is usually performed starting from Landauer's approach to quantum transport coupled with Onsager's linear response theory. As it is well known, this approach suffers from certain serious drawbacks. Here, we discuss alternative dynamical methods that can go beyond the validity of Landauer's/Onsager's approach for electronic transport. They can be used to validate the predictions of Landauer's/Onsager's approach and to investigate systems for which this approach has been shown to be unsatisfactory.

Source: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

DOI: 10.1039/c2cp42594g

Author: Roberto D'Agosta

Institutions: Ikerbasque, University of the Basque Country

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: green

Funders: King's College London, Eusko Jaurlaritza, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación