Recent Advances in Solution-processed Inorganic Thermoelectric Thin Films

Abstract

Recent advancements in microscale electronics and wearable devices have led to the concept of energy autonomy, which requires self-powered energy sources that can be integrated into systems. Thermoelectric generators have received significant attention as direct energy conversion systems between heat and electrical energy. However, typical bulk-scale inorganic thermoelectric materials have limited utility in these systems, and the traditional fabrication methods of generators pose difficulty in their miniaturization. Thin-film thermoelectric materials can address these issues owing to their easy integration into microscale systems. Moreover, solution processing can provide a cost-effective and scalable production approach for inorganic thin films. In this paper, we review the recent progress in solution-processed inorganic thermoelectric thin films, including the synthesis of ink solutions, fabrication of thin films, and thermoelectric performance of materials and devices.