Pyroelectric and Thermoelectric Nanogenerators

Thermal energy harvest and conversion from ambient environment through pyroelectric nanogenerator (PyENG) or thermoelectric nanogenerator (TEG) is an efficient way to realize the reuse of waste heat and have a positive influence on energy crisis and environment pollution. As important thermal energy collection technologies, PyENGs or TEGs have exhibited great advantages in energy harvesting and conversion of heat, which have both received increasing attention from the academic community. This chapter presents a general overview of recent advances in PyENGs and TEGs. Materials selection, structure design, performance, and applications of the two kinds of nanogenerators are summarized. Opportunities and challenges are also discussed.