Chapter 9: Phononic and Electronic Engineering in Nanowires for Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance

In this chapter, we review recent developments pertaining to “nanowire thermoelectrics.” In particular, we focus on the fundamental aspects of engineering charge and heat transport properties in nanowires and its implications for thermoelectric applications. Specifically, we discuss the following topics in this chapter: general background of thermoelectrics and the relevant length scales related to thermoelectric transport; brief overview of main synthesis techniques for thermoelectric nanowires; thermal conductivity of semiconductor nanowires, including characterization techniques and measurement results; thermoelectric power factor measurements and results of semiconductor nanowires; approaches to assemble nanowires into bulk thermoelectric materials and devices; future outlook of possible strategies pertaining to nanowire thermoelectrics.