Advances in bismuth-telluride-based thermoelectric devices: Progress and challenges

By effectively converting waste heat into electricity, thermoelectric materials and devices can provide an alternative approach to tackle the energy crisis. Amongst thermoelectric materials, bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃) and its derivatives exhibit high figure of merit ZT values in the near-room-temperature region and show great potential for application in thermoelectric devices. Considering the rapid development of Bi₂Te₃-based thermoelectric materials and their devices in the last few years, a short and systematic review is much needed. Here, we summarize the novel designs, properties, and applications of Bi₂Te₃-based thermoelectric devices in different contexts, including wearable, portable, implantable, and cross-disciplinary applications. The challenges and outlook for Bi₂Te₃-based thermoelectric devices are also considered. This work will guide the future development of Bi₂Te₃-based thermoelectric devices that target broader and more practical applications.