Characterization of Thermoelectric Crystals

Thermoelectrics is a promising technology for converting the thermal energy into electrical energy, providing an alternative way for power generation instead of burning the fossil fuels. A thermoelectric device is a solid-state device, consists of p-type and n-type semiconductor materials. The performance of a thermoelectric material can be determined based on the Figure of merit. In this chapter, the origin and fundamental laws related to thermoelectrics are described. The classification of thermoelectric materials and thermoelectric parameters are described. Moreover, the thermoelectric characteristics of a few semiconductor crystals are discussed.