Recent Advances in Polymer-Based Thermoelectric Materials

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on “Recent Advances in Polymer-Based Thermoelectric Materials” delivers an in-depth survey of synthesis strategies, structure–property relationships, device architectures, and system-integration approaches for polymer thermoelectrics. By harnessing mechanical flexibility, low cost, and solution-processability, these materials offer a scalable route to convert low-grade heat into electricity. Innovations in molecular design and doping have markedly boosted charge-carrier mobility and the Seebeck coefficient: n-type polymers employ electron-rich side chains with tailored counter-ions, while p-type systems leverage stable oxidative dopants. Nanoscale morphological control—through conductive carbon nanofiller blends and hierarchical porous scaffolds—optimizes thermal and electrical pathways, driving power factors toward 100 µW m^-1 K^-2 and room-temperature ZT values above 0.2. Real-world demonstrations in wearable electronics and waste-heat recovery modules underscore practical viability. The remaining hurdles include ensuring long-term stability under thermal cycling, scaling up film-deposition methods, and suppressing thermal conductivity without degrading electrical performance. By charting pathways to all-polymer modules, green synthesis routes, and integrated energy-harvesting systems, this collection equips materials scientists, electronic engineers, and energy-conversion practitioners with the insights needed to propel the field forward.

Prof. Dr. Jung-Chang Wang
Guest Editor

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