Thermoelectric Films for Electricity Generation
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Date
2021
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Abstract
It is evident that revolutionary advances have been made in the field of electronics of the developing world, and advanced technological materials are of course very important in this technological progress. With this study, thermoelectric thin films have given us the opportunity to examine why they are preferred in this technological period, as well as their importance and their theoretical background. Among the advantages of this technology comes when compared to others, thermal evaporation (TE) is more silent and reliable, since no movement is involved in the process; they are simple, compact, and safe; it is a green technology since it does not include heat or gas, or no chemical disposals are produced during the process; and it is convenient since others are inconvenient when it comes to working in remote outer areas. The purpose of this study is to inform about thin film thermoelectric materials. This chapter includes studies on how thin film thermoelectric materials are classified, the application areas, production techniques, and future trends of this process. While explaining the importance of all these materials, it realizes by considering the classification of thin film thermoelectric materials and the mechanisms behind them are extremely important in terms of illuminating the production conditions of these materials in line with theoretical knowledge. In order to realize this aim, a method starting from general information to detailed technical contents has been determined. Concepts such as the Seebeck coefficient, the Peltier effect, and the Thomson effect were discussed with technical points. In addition, materials such as inorganic, such as Bi-Te-based superlattices, cobalt oxide-based thin films, Zn-based thin films, Cu-based thin films, and a combination of these with composite materials were mentioned. Then, it gives information about the usage areas of these materials such as thermoelectric cooling, thermoelectric power generation, organic inverter circuit, organic light emitting diode (OLED), organic radio frequency identification tags, and organic DNA sensors. Sputtering, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), electrochemical deposition (ECD), flash evaporation (FE), TE, and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) methods were presented in detail. We hope that all this work succeeds to be a part of this technological progress and can support new studies as a source of information and inspiration. © 2021 WILEY-VCH GmbH. Published 2021 by WILEY-VCH GmbH.