LAUSR

Thermoelectric is a promising technology that can convert temperature differences to electricity (or vice versa). However, their relatively low efficiencies limit their applications to thermoelectric power generation systems. Therefore, low cost and high performance are important prerequisites for the application of thermoelectric materials to automotive thermoelectric generators. Silicide-based thermoelectric materials are good candidates for such applications. Recently, the thermoelectric performances of silicide-based thermoelectric materials have been significantly improved. However, increasing the thermoelectric performance of the materials while ensuring mechanical reliability remains a challenge. This review summarizes the preparation and design guidelines for silicide-based thermoelectric nanocomposites, as well as our recent progress in the development of nanocomposites with high thermoelectric performances or high mechanical reliabilities.