‘Invisible’ particles could enhance thermoelectric devices
Thermoelectric devices — which can either generate an electric current from a difference in temperature or use electricity to produce heating or cooling without moving parts — have been explored in the laboratory since the 19th century. In recent years, their efficiency has improved enough to enable limited commercial use, such as in cooling systems built into the seats of automobiles. But more widespread use, such as to harness waste heat from power plants and engines, calls for better materials.Now, a new way of enhancing the efficiency of such devices, developed by researchers at MIT and Rutgers University, could lead to such wider applications. The new work, by mechanical engineering professor Gang Chen, Institute Professor Mildred Dresselhaus, graduate student Bolin Liao, and recent postdoc Mona Zebarjadi and research scientist Keivan Esfarjani (both of whom are now on the faculty at Rutgers), has been published in the journal Advanced Materials.Although thermoelectric...