Thin Films for Thermoelectric Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The majority of the energy produced today comes from nonrenewable resources, such as fossil fuels and natural gas, which are known to contribute to environmental problems. To combat these issues, much research is currently devoted to developing alternative ways of energy production that are both renewable and clean. In particular, energy recovery from heat (energy harvesting) can be a good strategy to minimize the negative impact that “dirty” energy produces on the environment. That is exactly what thermoelectricity, also called the Peltier–Seebeck effect, is about: Direct conversion of heat into electricity or electricity into heat through two related mechanisms, the Seebeck effect and the Peltier effect. To attain this effect, we need to develop efficient thermoelectric materials.

This Special Issue, “Thin Films for Thermoelectric Applications”, aims to cover original research and critical review articles on recent aspects of novel thermoelectric materials processed as thin films. In particular, papers are invited that discuss recent advances in thermoelectric materials and their processing as thin films, characterization techniques relating structure–properties, construction of devices based on thin thermoelectric films, theory relating to thermoelectricity of thin films, and in general, all aspects of applications of thermoelectric thin films.

Although other interesting related topics not mentioned in the above list are also welcome, intended submissions should generally fall in line with thin films for thermoelectric applications.

 

The topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Synthesis of novel thermoelectric materials
• Deposition techniques for thin films of thermoelectric materials
• Characterization methods of thermoelectric properties of thin films
• Structural characterization of thermoelectric thin films
• Quantum confinement, phonon drag, 2D materials
• Physics and chemistry of novel thermoelectric materials for thin films
• Theory and modelling of thermoelectric thin films
• Thermoelectric thin films sensors and applications
• Thermoelectric nanodevices

Prof. Dr. Clara M Gómez
Prof. Dr. Rafael Muñoz-Espí
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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