Thermoelectric Devices: Thermoelectric Effects of Nanogaps between Two Tips (Small 14/2018)

In article number 1703695, Zung-Hang Wei and co-workers design a microscaled thermoelectric component featuring a nanogap of varying sizes between the tips. A narrow gap tip generates stronger thermoelectric effects, because the phonon's contribution to thermal conductivity can be virtually neglected. Furthermore, the thermoelectric effects of the nanogap are intensified by adding nanoparticles, which facilitate the hopping of electrons to the cold end via thermionic emission. This method can be applied to computer central processing units or high-temperature applications such as automobile engines for recycling and reuse of waste heat.