This book provides a benchmark for the state of the field of thermoelectric materials research and development. Highlights of the volume include results on superlattices that show a ZT = 2.4 at room temperature in p-type Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 superlattice thermoelectrics. In addition, preliminary results on p-n couple devices from these superlattices indicate fast-acting spot cooling in addition to improved performance. Thermoelectric materials are utilized in a wide variety of applications related to solid-state refrigeration or small-scale power generation. The book focuses on traditional thermoelectric materials new materials as well as developments in device engineering. Many papers presented here revolve around either maximizing the numerator of Z, called the power factor, or by minimizing l. Topics include: guidance to advanced thermoelectric research; skutterudites; new materials, approaches and measurements; clathrates; chalcogenides; devices; thermoelectric materials and devices - research and development; nanowires and oxides.

This volume: Chemistry, Physics and Materials Science of Thermoelectric Materials: Beyond Bismuth Telluride contains a series of topical articles that were presented as invited lectures by prominent leaders in this field at a workshop held in Traverse City, Michigan in the summer of 2002. These articles place the state of the art, regarding design principles, candidate materials and systems and current advances in context and should serve as a useful source of insights into this field for both beginning students and practitioners alike.

Dieses Referenzwerk in drei handlichen Bänden bietet einen detaillierten Überblick über Anwendungen der Nanotechnologie im Bereich Nachhaltigkeit in der Energieversorgung. Der erste Band dieses klar strukturierten Nachschlagewerks behandelt nach der Einleitung die Themen Energieerzeugung, erneuerbare Energien, Energiespeicherung, Energieverteilung sowie Energieumwandlung und Energy-Harvesting. Im zweiten Band werden auf Nanotechnologie basierte Materialen, Energieeinsparung und -management, technologische und urheberrechtlich relevante Fragen, Märkte und Umweltsanierung erörtert. Der dritte Band wirft einen Blick in die Zukunft, auf technologische Fortschritte und gibt Empfehlungen. Ein wichtiges Handbuch für alle Experten auf diesem Gebiet, von Forschern und Ingenieuren im wissenschaftlichen Bereich bis hin zu Entwicklern in der Industrie.

The measure of a thermoelectric material is given by the material's figure of merit. For over three decades the best thermoelectric materials had a ZT = 1. Recently, however, there are reports of new methods of materials synthesis that result in improvements beyond this performance. In addition, rapid characterization, as well as faster theoretical modeling of thermoelectric materials, has resulted in a more rapid evaluation of new materials. This book offers a look at these results and provides a benchmark for the current state in the field of thermoelectric materials research and development. The focus is on new and innovative directions that will lead to the next generation thermoelectric materials for small-scale refrigeration and power generation applications. The book emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of the research needed to advance the science and technology of the field. Both theoretical and experimental studies are featured. Topics include: low-dimensional systems and nanocomposites; devices; oxides; skutterudites; complex bulk materials and measurements; novel approaches; and thermoelectric materials and technology.

The book details sources of thermal energy, methods of capture, and applications. It describes the basics of thermal energy, including measuring thermal energy, laws of thermodynamics that govern its use and transformation, modes of thermal energy, conventional processes, devices and materials, and the methods by which it is transferred. It covers 8 sources of thermal energy: combustion, fusion (solar) fission (nuclear), geothermal, microwave, plasma, waste heat, and thermal energy storage. In each case, the methods of production and capture and its uses are described in detail. It also discusses novel processes and devices used to improve transfer and transformation processes.

The MRS Symposium Proceeding series is an internationally recognised reference suitable for researchers and practitioners.