An Analysis of Thermoelectric Properties of Skutterudites

Abstract

In the past two decades or so, thermoelectricity has made considerable progress with several new materials discovered and significant improvement in the performance of already-existing materials. Among the different classes of materials, skutterudites have emerged as materials having tremendous potential for mid-temperature thermoelectric applications such as energy harvesting, waste heat recovery, etc. Herein, the authors discuss the thermoelectric properties and latest research developments that have led to significant improvement in the thermoelectric performance of skutterudites by reducing their otherwise high thermal conductivity to a greater extent. The enhancement of the thermoelectric performance of skutterudites by various techniques such as nanostructuring and filling of voids is also briefly discussed.