Solid-state thermoelectric devices are currently used in applications rangingfrom thermocouple sensors to power generators in satellites, to portableair-conditioners and refrigerators. With the ever-rising demand throughout theworld for energy consumption and CO2 reduction, thermoelectric energyconversion has been receiving intensified attention as a potential candidatefor waste-heat harvesting as well as for power generation from renewablesources. Efficient thermoelectric energy conversion critically depends on theperformance of thermoelectric materials and devices. In this review, we discussheat transfer in thermoelectric materials and devices, especially phononengineering to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity of thermoelectricmaterials, which requires a fundamental understanding of nanoscale heatconduction physics.
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