Thermoelectric energy conversion based on Sn-chalcogenides: electronic structure modulation and low thermal conductivity

Abstract

"The rising global energy demand is causing a dramatic acceleration of social unrest. Impact of climate change on the environment due to the combustion of nonrenewable energy sources is becoming increasingly alarming. To mitigate the dramatic surge of the global energy crisis and furnishing sustainable, renewable and environment-friendly energy source hold precedence not only to the scientific community but also to the global population as a whole. Heat can be considered as a renewable energy source owing to its pervasive and ineluctable nature. Thermal processes produce >90% of the energy we use, whereas ~60% of energy is inevitably lost through heat dissipation.1-3 Thus, designing of efficient thermoelectric (TE) materials will cater to its purpose due to their ability to convert waste heat to electricity reversibly.1,3,4 Exhaust from domestic heating, automobiles and industrial produce a large amount of unused waste heat that could be converted to electricity by using thermoelectric devices."