Aspects of thin-film superlattice thermoelectric materials, devices, and applications

Superlattices consist of alternating thin layers of different materials stacked periodically. The lattice mismatch and electronic potential differences at the interfaces and resulting phonon and electron interface scattering and band structure modifications can be exploited to reduce phonon heat conduction while maintaining or enhancing the electron transport. This article focuses on a range of materials used in superlattice form to improve the thermoelectric figure of merit.