Structural strategies for edge-bulk decoupling in trench-engineered nanoribbons: a conceptual study of electrical power for thermoelectric applications

Abstract In this study, we present a conceptual model and structural strategy for exploring thermoelectric design principles through edge–bulk decoupling in zigzag nanoribbons. Zigzag nanoribbons are known for their unique edge states, which strongly affect their electronic and thermoelectric behavior. By introducing a long trench along the ribbon’s length, we separate the edge states from the bulk. This structural modification improves charge transport along the edges while suppressing bulk contributions. To preserve the integrity of the edge states, the trench edges are passivated. Our model predicts a significant increase in the generated electrical power, demonstrating that trench engineering can enhance the electronic contribution to thermoelectric functionality. This work serves as a conceptual design proposal, highlighting a general strategy for boosting electrical power output in nanoribbon-based thermoelectric systems.