Recent Advances in Solution‐processed Inorganic Thermoelectric Thin Films

AbstractRecent advancements in microscale electronics and wearable devices have led to the concept of energy autonomy, which requires self‐powered energy sources that can be integrated into systems. Thermoelectric generators have received significant attention as direct energy conversion systems between heat and electrical energy. However, typical bulk‐scale inorganic thermoelectric materials have limited utility in these systems, and the traditional fabrication methods of generators pose difficulty in their miniaturization. Thin‐film thermoelectric materials can address these issues owing to their easy integration into microscale systems. Moreover, solution processing can provide a cost‐effective and scalable production approach for inorganic thin films. In this paper, we review the recent progress in solution‐processed inorganic thermoelectric thin films, including the synthesis of ink solutions, fabrication of thin films, and thermoelectric performance of materials and devices.