Learn about the 5 most common types of thermoelectric materials and their unique properties, including Bismuth Telluride and Half-Heuslers.

5 Most Common Types of Thermoelectric Materials

Thermoelectric materials are used in a variety of applications such as cooling, power generation, and temperature sensing. These materials have the ability to convert heat into electrical energy and vice versa. The efficiency of this conversion depends on the properties of the material used. In this article, we will discuss the five most common types of thermoelectric materials.

Bismuth Telluride (Bi2Te3)

Bismuth telluride is the most commonly used thermoelectric material in commercial applications due to its high efficiency at room temperature. This material has a unique crystal structure that creates a large density of states near the Fermi level, which leads to high electrical conductivity. Additionally, bismuth telluride has a low thermal conductivity, which is important for thermoelectric materials as it allows for a greater temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the device.

Lead Telluride (PbTe)

Lead telluride is another commonly used thermoelectric material, especially in high-temperature applications. This material has a high Seebeck coefficient, which is a measure of its ability to generate an electrical voltage from a temperature gradient. Additionally, lead telluride has a relatively low thermal conductivity, which makes it a good candidate for thermoelectric power generation.

Silicon-Germanium (SiGe)

Silicon-germanium is a versatile thermoelectric material that has a high thermoelectric figure of merit, which is a measure of its efficiency at converting heat to electricity. This material can be easily integrated into existing semiconductor technologies, making it an