Phys.org July 6, 2018
Long silicon nanowires needed in the silicon-based thermoelectric generators to secure temperature difference across the silicon wire weakens the strength of the devices. To overcome this, researchers developed thermoelectric generator eliminating the cavity structure but instead shortened the silicon nanowires to 0.25 nanometers. Thermal resistance was suppressed, and the power density multiplied ten times by thinning the generator’s silicon substrate from the conventional 750 nanometers to 50 nanometers with backside grinding. The device has applications in IoT… read more.
Conventional thermoelectric generator (left) and newly developed thermoelectric generator (right). Credit: Waseda University.