Power conversion of hybrid Bi2Te3/si thermoelectric nanocomposites

Nanostructured thermoelectric materials are promising for future energy conversion and harvesting. Recently, cost-effective and roughened Si nanowire has been demonstrated to be a good candidate. In this work, we report a solution process to synthesize composite nanostructures of Si nanowires and Bi2Te3 nanoparticles by chemical-solution reactions for future thermoelectric applications. Bi2Te3 nanoparticles can be coated among the nanowires of 30 mu m in length, till a uniform coating and wrapping around nanowires. Structural characterization of the composite was identified by X-ray diffraction technique and standard microscopy practices. The power conversion of the nanocomposite at different temperatures was measured, demonstrating the harvesting of thermal energy. This approach provides an applicable route to produce advanced high-performance thermoelectric nanocomposites at micro-scale for future thermal scavenging and cooling in electronics. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.