Work

Intrinsic nonreciprocity in electron-phonon-interaction-driven thermoelectric diodes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We study an electron-phonon-interaction-driven thermoelectric diode. The nonreciprocity in this diode arises from the asymmetry between the probabilities of phonon emission and absorption in the electron-phonon interaction, as well as the structural reflection asymmetry. We reveal the intrinsic nature of this nonreciprocity, as the forward and backward electron transport remains asymmetric even when the applied temperature difference is not reversed. This intrinsic nonreciprocity gives rise to two novel transport phenomena. One is a novel thermoelectric effect that is driven by the temperature difference between the leads and the central device region, rather than the conventional temperature difference between the two leads. The second, and more significant, phenomenon is the suppression of electronic backscattering in the load resistor. This suppression decreases the resistance of the load resistor, which leads to the breakdown of Ohm’s addition law. Under suitable conditions, the presence of electron-phonon interaction can yield a larger thermoelectric current compared to the case without it. This intrinsic nonreciprocity opens up a pathway for low-power electronics besides topology and superconductivity, and for nonreciprocal thermoelectric devices.

Source: Physical Review Research

DOI: 10.1103/5gnb-p4m7

Authors: Hao-Kun Ke, Lie-Run Tian, Jun-Feng Liu, Pei-Hao Fu, Jun Wang, Hu Xu

Institutions: Guangzhou University, Southeast University, Southern University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,625

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China