Development of Thermoelectric Materials for Mid-Temperature Applications: Current State and Prospects

The development of efficient and environmentally friendly thermoelectric materials for mid-temperature applications, in the range of 200–500°С, follows the necessity to create devices for saving electricity, and in particular, for converting waste heat into electric power. This review surveys the evolution of thermoelectric materials from the initial approaches of Abram Ioffe to modern ideas using the examples of various substances including chalcogenides, pnictides, and intermetallic compounds. Special attention is paid to the implementation of new concepts for the development of thermoelectric materials from inexpensive and environmentally friendly substances for mid-temperature applications, primarily in the automotive industry.