Scientists at TU Wien announced a breakthrough in thermoelectric technology in 2025, potentially revolutionizing how we convert heat into electricity. This discovery uses metallic materials, a departure from traditional semiconductor approaches, to create more efficient thermoelectric generators.
The team, led by Dr. Fabian Garmroudi, has unlocked thermoelectric potential in metallic compounds by disrupting the synchronized flow of charge carriers. They achieved this by introducing "traffic jams" for specific charge carriers, creating a voltage difference even in metals.
The research highlights the use of the kagome lattice, a geometric pattern that creates unusual electronic properties, leading to highly localized charges. This innovative approach has resulted in significantly higher Seebeck coefficients, opening doors for efficient waste heat recovery and compact power sources.