Organic Thermoelectric Materials

Analogous to inorganic semiconductors, organic thermoelectric materials are classified as either p-type or n-type. Historically, the development of n-type organic semiconductors lagged significantly behind p-type materials due to their inherent instability in ambient air. Among p-type materials, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) remains the most extensively studied, prized for its high electrical conductivity, low thermal conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and environmental compatibility. Beyond PEDOT, research is rapidly advancing on other p-type polymers which offer high crystallinity, long-range molecular ordering, and excellent charge carrier mobility. Crucially, the development of air-stable n-type organic thermoelectrics has recently been achieved with the introduction of polybenzodifurandione (PBFDO). This advancement finally enables the fabrication of high-performance, all-organic p-n thermoelectric modules.