Water-Processable Polymer-Nanocrystal Hybrids for Thermoelectrics

We report the synthesis and thermoelectric characterization of composite nanocrystals composed of a tellurium core functionalized with the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Solution processed nanocrystal films electronically out perform both PEDOT:PSS and unfunctionalized Te nanorods while retaining a polymeric thermal conductivity, resulting in a room temperature ZT similar to 0.1. This combination of electronic and thermal transport indicates the potential for tailored transport in nanoscale organic/inorganic heterostructures.