ABSTRACT

This book provides an overview on nanostructured thermoelectric materials and devices, covering fundamental concepts, synthesis techniques, device contacts and stability, and potential applications, especially in waste heat recovery and solar energy conversion. The contents focus on thermoelectric devices made from nanomaterials with high thermoelectric efficiency for use in large scale to generate megawatts electricity.

  • Covers the latest discoveries, methods, technologies in materials, contacts, modules, and systems for thermoelectricity.
  • Addresses practical details of how to improve the efficiency and power output of a generator by optimizing contacts and electrical conductivity.
  • Gives tips on how to realize a realistic and usable device or module with attention to large scale industry synthesis and product development.

Prof. Zhifeng Ren is M. D. Anderson Professor in the Department of Physics and the Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston.

Prof. Yucheng Lan is an associate professor in Morgan State University.

Prof. Qinyong Zhang is a professor in the Center for Advanced Materials and Energy at Xihua University of China.

part I|2 pages

Thermoelectric Materials

part II|2 pages

Thermoelectric Contacts

part III|2 pages

Thermoelectric Modules and Systems

chapter 18|22 pages

Bismuth Telluride Modules

chapter 19|14 pages

Half-Heusler Modules

chapter 20|22 pages

Silicide Modules

Practical Issues in Developing Mg2Si with Good Stability for Generating Power from Waste Heat Sources

chapter 21|16 pages

Oxide Modules