Note to users. If you're seeing this message, it means that your browser cannot find this page's style/presentation instructions -- or possibly that you are using a browser that does not support current Web standards. Find out more about why this message is appearing, and what you can do to make your experience of our site the best it can be.

Science 5 February 1999:
Vol. 283. no. 5403, pp. 804 - 805
DOI: 10.1126/science.283.5403.804
Prev | Table of Contents | Next

Perspectives

THERMOELECTRIC MATERIALS:
Holey and Unholey Semiconductors

Terry M. Tritt

Thermoelectric materials, which have applications in refrigeration and power generation, are experiencing a surge in research activity. Many different materials are investigated with the goal of maximizing electrical conductivity while minimizing thermal conductivity, which is required for good thermoelectric performance. Only recently was a 30-year deadlock in thermoelectric performance overcome. Predictions for the new materials suggest that important further improvements are on the horizon, with promising applications in the computer and other high-tech industries.

The author is in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA. E-mail: ttritt{at}clemson.edu (http://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/tmrl/).

Read the Full Text


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
CsBi4Te6: A High-Performance Thermoelectric Material for Low-Temperature Applications.
D. Chung, T. Hogan, P. Brazis, M. Rocci-Lane, C. Kannewurf, M. Bastea, C. Uher, and M. G. Kanatzidis (2000)
Science 287, 1024-1027
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Thermoelectric Cooling and Power Generation.
F. J. DiSalvo (1999)
Science 285, 703-706
   Abstract »    Full Text »


To Advertise     Find Products

Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)