Nonlinearity Found in Thermoelectric Devices Made of Heterogeneous Semiconductor Nanowire Networks

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe present a concept to increase efficiencies utilizing nonlinear elements integrated with our semiconductor nanowire networks. Demonstrated here is power generation with thermoelectric devices made of two nanowire networks, one silicon and one indium phosphide, grown on a mechanically flexible copper substrate. Electron microscopy was utilized to characterize structural integrity of the nanowire networks. Non-linear current-voltage characteristics were observed, which suggests a new platform to increase maximum electrical power generation for a given temperature gradient.