Jin Yang, Qiu Yuting, Pan Caofeng, Zhao Li-Dong
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
Center for Bioinspired Science and Technology, Hangzhou International Innovation Institute, Beihang University, Hangzhou, 311115, China.
Adv Mater. 2025 Jun;37(24):e2500802. doi: 10.1002/adma.202500802. Epub 2025 Apr 9.
Thermoelectric (TE) materials can interconvert electricity into heat, rendering them versatile for refrigeration and power generation. GeTe as a distinguished TE material has attracted considerable focus owing to its excellent TE performance. Herein, the milestones of research progress on GeTe are reviewed. The intrinsic potentials of GeTe are elaborated, mainly focusing on crystal structure, band structure and microstructures. The path of GeTe-based thermoelectrics from performance optimization to the devices is attempted to chart, referring to its shortcomings and characteristics. Primarily, optimization of the synthesis process is implemented to inhibit the generation of Ge precipitates and phonon migration. Furthermore, the thermoelectric performance of GeTe is enhanced through its features, including phase transition, multiple valence bands, and various microstructures via doping and alloying. Subsequently, the advancements of GeTe thermoelectric devices are presented from the aspect of device integration. Eventually, the prospect and challenges for the future direction of GeTe-based materials are proposed, offering a roadmap to inject vitality into further developments.
热电（TE）材料可以将电能转化为热能，使其在制冷和发电方面具有广泛用途。碲化锗作为一种杰出的热电材料，因其优异的热电性能而备受关注。在此，对碲化锗的研究进展里程碑进行了综述。阐述了碲化锗的内在潜力，主要聚焦于晶体结构、能带结构和微观结构。试图梳理出基于碲化锗的热电材料从性能优化到器件应用的发展路径，并提及了其缺点和特性。首先，通过优化合成工艺来抑制锗沉淀的产生和声子迁移。此外，通过其相变、多个价带以及通过掺杂和合金化形成的各种微观结构等特性来提高碲化锗的热电性能。随后，从器件集成的角度介绍了碲化锗热电器件的进展。最后，提出了基于碲化锗材料未来发展方向的前景和挑战，为进一步发展注入活力提供了路线图。
