Importance of high power factor in thermoelectric materials for power generation application: A perspective

The figure of merit (ZT) has been used for more than half a century to guide the research of thermoelectric materials. In this perspective viewpoint, we emphasize that the power factor (PF) is more important than the thermal conductivity for thermoelectric power generation for a given ZT. We also propose the newly defined engineering parameters (ZT)(eng) and (PF)(eng) are the more practical indicators to show the temperature dependent efficiency and output power, as compared with conventional ZT and PF. (c) 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.