Flexibilizing inorganic thermoelectrics
- 1School of Chemistry and Physics, ARC Research Hub in Zero‐emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality, and Centre for Materials Science Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia
Abstract
This perspective highlights critical advancements in the design and fabrication of flexible inorganic thermoelectric materials and devices, which are central to the development of next‐generation energy harvesting and thermal management technologies. By systematically analyzing ductile bulk materials, flexible thin films, and weavable fibers/yarns, the perspective identifies key pathways to overcome the long‐standing trade‐off between mechanical flexibility and thermoelectric performance. Seminal discoveries discussed include the introduction of warm metalworking for plastic manufacturing of brittle thermoelectric semiconductors, high‐throughput screening of plastically deformable van der Waals thermoelectric materials, orientation engineering of high‐performance thermoelectric thin films, and sandwich‐engineered films that synergize ductility and thermoelectric performance. These insights span multiple length scales from atomic‐scale structural modulation to macroscopic device engineering, offering guidance for both fundamental research and practical implementation. Future research directions include AI‐assisted material and device design, scalable fabrication of fiber‐based textile integration, and the development of robust interfaces and integrated architectures to bridge materials, processing, and systems. The collective strategies reviewed in this work lay the foundation for high‐efficiency, durable, and wearable thermoelectric systems, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and smart electronic applications.
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BibTeX
@article{shi2026flexibilizing,
title = {{Flexibilizing inorganic thermoelectrics}},
author = {Xiao‐Lei Shi and Nan‐Hai Li and Meng Li and Zhi‐Gang Chen},
journal = {FlexMat.},
year = {2026},
month = may,
doi = {10.1002/flm2.70094},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/flm2.70094},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Flexibilizing inorganic thermoelectrics
AU - Xiao‐Lei Shi
AU - Nan‐Hai Li
AU - Meng Li
AU - Zhi‐Gang Chen
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/05/16
JO - FlexMat.
DO - 10.1002/flm2.70094
UR - https://doi.org/10.1002/flm2.70094
AB - This perspective highlights critical advancements in the design and fabrication of flexible inorganic thermoelectric materials and devices, which are central to the development of next‐generation energy harvesting and thermal management technologies. By systematically analyzing ductile bulk materials, flexible thin films, and weavable fibers/yarns, the perspective identifies key pathways to overcome the long‐standing trade‐off between mechanical flexibility and thermoelectric performance. Seminal discoveries discussed include the introduction of warm metalworking for plastic manufacturing of brittle thermoelectric semiconductors, high‐throughput screening of plastically deformable van der Waals thermoelectric materials, orientation engineering of high‐performance thermoelectric thin films, and sandwich‐engineered films that synergize ductility and thermoelectric performance. These insights span multiple length scales from atomic‐scale structural modulation to macroscopic device engineering, offering guidance for both fundamental research and practical implementation. Future research directions include AI‐assisted material and device design, scalable fabrication of fiber‐based textile integration, and the development of robust interfaces and integrated architectures to bridge materials, processing, and systems. The collective strategies reviewed in this work lay the foundation for high‐efficiency, durable, and wearable thermoelectric systems, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and smart electronic applications.
SN - 2836-9092
SN - 2836-9106
ER -