Nanostructured silicon devices for thermoelectric applications

Abstract We present a review of the latest research on devices that enable direct thermal-to-electrical energy conversion, specifically thermoelectric generators, coolers, and heat pumps. The discussion highlights the major advances achieved using silicon as a thermoelectric material. In particular, silicon nanostructures exhibit remarkably low thermal conductivity, and the silicon power factor can be optimized by adjusting the doping level, with further improvements possible through energy-filtering techniques which can be implemented with standard silicon processing. Our review concentrates on monocrystalline silicon, as it is the foundation of the modern electronics industry, making silicon-based thermoelectric devices highly promising for immediate technological applications. We examine the challenges associated with designing monocrystalline nanostructured silicon thermoelectric systems and outline the most effective strategies for their fabrication. Finally, we discuss the fundamental principles and guidelines for the design and engineering of these devices.