Progress in transparent thermoelectrics

Abstract Transparent thermoelectric materials are a special kind of material that converts thermal energy into electrical power and possesses unique properties for transparent electronics and future energy applications. These materials are being studied for specific applications such as windowpanes, photovoltaic panels, sensor displays, smart electronic devices, and more. For such applications, it is desirable that the thermoelectric materials be in the form of thin films or coatings, be optically transparent, and exhibit excellent thermoelectric performance. Understanding the electrical, thermal, and optical properties of materials is crucial for the development of transparent thermoelectric devices. This paper discusses the current progress in the development of transparent thermoelectric materials.