Thermoelectrics, in particular solid-state conversion of heat to electricity, is expected to be a key energy harvesting technology to power ubiquitous sensors and wearable devices in the future. A comprehensive review is given on the principles and advances in the development of thermoelectric materials suitable for energy harvesting power generation, ranging from organic and hybrid organic-inorganic to inorganic materials. Examples of design and applications are also presented.
Keywords: 210 Thermoelectronics / Thermal transport / insulators; 50 Energy Materials; Thermoelectric; energy harvesting; organic; thin film.