ABSTRACT
The contribution of thermoelectric devices to energy and environ-
mental problems is expected to play a key role in the future. As
one can see from the name, thermoelectric devices can be used
for electricity generation directly from a heat source that has not
been effectively used. In this process, a physical phenomenon called
the Seebeck effect is applied. The discoverer T. J. Seebeck found
magnetic force by applying a temperature difference between both
ends of Bi being closed by a Cuwire and named it thermomagnetism.
Three years later, this phenomenon became to be recognized as
thermoelectricity. The key technology for material science has
significantly developed since 1980. In the present era, as one
might say, experience and instinct are coming to be no longer
a way to rely on. In such a stream of time, the discovery of
high-T c cuprate superconductors gives an opportunity to go over thermoelectric materials, too, especially for oxide materials. A great
part of this chapter is devoted to the trend of Co oxide thermoelectric
materials.
