Advancements in thermoelectric materials: Emerging trends in organic, inorganic systems, and material informatics

Abstract

Thermoelectric (TE) materials, which convert waste heat into electricity, have garnered significant attention due to the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. This review comprehensively examines the fundamental principles, challenges, and advancements in TE materials. It emphasizes the approaches and materials employed to enhance TE properties, including electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient, for achieving superior TE efficiency (ZT). The advances in inorganic, organic, and hybrid TE systems are explored and examined in detail. Inorganic materials like tellurides, sulphides, selenides, and oxides are reviewed for their exceptional TE performance over a wide range of temperatures. Conversely, organic materials such as polyaniline (PANI), Poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS), and poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) are emphasized for potential use in wearable electronics. Moreover, the integration of machine learning (ML) into TE material research is accelerating the discovery and optimization of high-ZT materials by predicting optimal compositions. This review also provides valuable insights into the latest advancements and highlights the role of ML in driving the future of TE systems, including applications in wearable electronics, industrial waste heat recovery, and sustainable energy generation.