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Energy-specific equilibrium in nanowires for efficient thermoelectric power generation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Heiner Linke ,
Tammy Humphrey  and
Mark O'Dwyer
Heiner Linke
Affiliation:
linke@uoregon.edu, Univ. Oregon, Physics, 1274 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, United States
Tammy Humphrey
Affiliation:
tammy.humphrey@unsw.edu.au, University of Geneva, Theoertical Physics, Switzerland
Mark O'Dwyer
Affiliation:
mo15@uow.edu.au, University of Wollongong, Engineering Physics, Australia
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Abstract

There is great scientific, economic and environmental interest in the development of thermoelectric materials capable of direct thermal-to-electric energy conversion with high efficiency. Recent theory predicts that in materials with a fine-tuned electronic density of states, electrons can be placed in energy-specific equilibrium, and the efficiency of thermoelectric power generation can approach the fundamental Carnot limit. Here we review the relevant theory of energy-specific equilibrium. We describe a concept for a proof-of principle demonstration of near-Carnot efficient power conversion involving a single, ballistic nanowire at low temperatures, and we discuss the potential for room-temperature applications in diffusive materials.

Keywords

thermoelectricitynanostructurethermal conductivity
Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 886: Symposium F – Materials and Technologies fore Direct Thermal-to-Electric Energy Conversion , 2005 , 0886-F06-01
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2006

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References

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