Anisotropic Characterization Protocols for Organic Thermoelectrics

Organic thermoelectric materials typically exhibit fibrous or layered microscopic structures, making it essential to account for the resulting physical anisotropy. Accurately characterizing these materials requires measuring the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity, at both in-plane and through-plane directions, to determine the figure of merit. However, because organic materials are primarily solution-processed into thin films rather than bulk ingots, complete directional characterization poses significant experimental challenges. This chapter details measurement protocols and technologies designed to overcome these barriers, enabling precise characterization across all directions.