Flexibilizing inorganic thermoelectrics

Abstract This perspective highlights critical advancements in the design and fabrication of flexible inorganic thermoelectric materials and devices, which are central to the development of next‐generation energy harvesting and thermal management technologies. By systematically analyzing ductile bulk materials, flexible thin films, and weavable fibers/yarns, the perspective identifies key pathways to overcome the long‐standing trade‐off between mechanical flexibility and thermoelectric performance. Seminal discoveries discussed include the introduction of warm metalworking for plastic manufacturing of brittle thermoelectric semiconductors, high‐throughput screening of plastically deformable van der Waals thermoelectric materials, orientation engineering of high‐performance thermoelectric thin films, and sandwich‐engineered films that synergize ductility and thermoelectric performance. These insights span multiple length scales from atomic‐scale structural modulation to macroscopic device engineering, offering guidance for both fundamental research and practical implementation. Future research directions include AI‐assisted material and device design, scalable fabrication of fiber‐based textile integration, and the development of robust interfaces and integrated architectures to bridge materials, processing, and systems. The collective strategies reviewed in this work lay the foundation for high‐efficiency, durable, and wearable thermoelectric systems, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and smart electronic applications.