Work

A New Era in Sustainability: Te- and Pb-Free Thermoelectrics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Nearly two-thirds of global energy is lost as waste heat. Thermoelectric materials enable the direct conversion of heat into electricity, offering a promising recovery strategy. However, many high-performance systems rely on toxic or scarce elements such as Pb and Te, limiting sustainability. This review compares transport mechanisms in bulk and thin-film thermoelectrics, highlights environmentally benign material alternatives and fabrication routes, and discusses key challenges and future opportunities for sustainable energy applications. To provide a comprehensive overview of tellurium- and Pb-free bulk thermoelectrics, recent developments are summarized in a comprehensive table detailing material composition, peak zT values, temperature differences (ΔK), efficiencies (η), power output (Pout) (or maximum power density (Pmax)), and device geometries.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18147330

Authors: Kivanc Saglik, Yannan Lu, Xizu Wang

Institutions: Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Nanyang Technological University, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO Manufacturing

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896