Thermoelectric Materials: New Approaches to an Old Problem

摘要: Thermoelectrics is an old field. In 1823, Thomas Seebeck discovered that a voltage drop appears across sample has temperature gradient. This phenomenon provided the basis for thermocouples used measuring and thermoelectric power generators. 1838, Heinrich Lenz placed of water on junction metal wires made bismuth antimony. Passing electric current through in one direction caused to freeze, reversing ice quickly melt; thus refrigeration was demonstrated (figure 1).