High Entropy Materials for Thermoelectric Applications

The escalating global energy consumption, coupled with the alarming rise in CO₂ emissions, has raised significant concerns. There lies a substantial opportunity in addressing this energy demand by harnessing waste heat, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of the current consumption and converting it into usable electricity. Thermoelectric technology offers a direct conversion of heat into electricity, presenting an environmentally friendly approach to utilizing waste heat and delivering zero-emission energy for the development of a sustainable and environmentally conscious society. Entropy engineering has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing thermoelectric performance by exploiting composition, lattice disorder, band structure, and microstructure effects, as these factors are closely linked to transport properties. In this chapter, we will delve into the ways in which entropy engineering can benefit the performance of thermoelectric materials. We will explore cutting-edge advancements in both experimental and theoretical realms and discuss potential strategies for future advancements in high entropy thermoelectric materials.