Work

Inorganic thermoelectric thin films: From synthesis to application

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Thermoelectric technologies constitute a sustainable paradigm for waste heat recovery. Inorganic thermoelectric thin films, leveraging low-dimensional transport phenomena and tunable physical properties, have emerged as premier candidates for flexible, miniaturized electronics. This review introduces various fabrication methodologies-including atomic layer deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, chemical vapor deposition, magnetron sputtering, and solution-based processing-elucidating their operational principles, comparative advantages, and inherent limitations. Subsequently, the deployment of these films in power generation and active cooling is discussed, emphasizing innovations in architectural design and mechanical properties. Finally, we outline promising research directions, including the convergence of hybrid fabrication strategies, artificial intelligence-driven optimization, and multifunctional device engineering for advancing thermoelectric thin films. Collectively, these developments signal a pathway toward next-generation thin-film flexible electronic systems that are both self-powered and thermally regulated.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.115963

Authors: Teng Wang, Fan Sun, Jae Sung Son

Institutions: Northeast Normal University, Pohang University of Science and Technology

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: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240