Solid-state energy conversion technologies such as thermoelectric and thermionic refrigeration and power generation require materials with low thermal conductivity but good electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, which are difficult to realize in bulk semiconductors. Nanostructures such as superlattices, quantum wires, and quantum dots provide alternative approaches to improve the solid-state energy conversion efficiency through size and interface effects on the electron and phonon transport. In this review, we discuss recent research and progress using nanostructures for solid-state energy conversion. The emphasis is placed on fundamental issues that distinguish energy transport and conversion between nanoscale and macroscale, as well as heat transfer issues related to device development and property characterization.
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Review Papers
Heat Transfer in Nanostructures for Solid-State Energy Conversion
G. Chen, Assoc. Prof. Mem. ASME,
G. Chen, Assoc. Prof. Mem. ASME
Mechanical Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
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A. Shakouri
A. Shakouri
Jack Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1077
Search for other works by this author on:
G. Chen, Assoc. Prof. Mem. ASME
Mechanical Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
A. Shakouri
Jack Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1077
Contributed by the Heat Transfer Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF HEAT TRANSFER. Manuscript received by the Heat Transfer Division July 24, 2001; revision received November 20, 2001. Editor: V. K. Dhir.
J. Heat Transfer. Apr 2002, 124(2): 242-252 (11 pages)
Published Online: November 20, 2001
Article history
Received:
July 24, 2001
Revised:
November 20, 2001
Citation
Chen, G., and Shakouri, A. (November 20, 2001). "Heat Transfer in Nanostructures for Solid-State Energy Conversion ." ASME. J. Heat Transfer. April 2002; 124(2): 242–252. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1448331
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