Model for electronic transport properties of thermoelectric semiconductor materials

In view of global energy and environmental issues, the necessity to utilize our energy resources more efficiently becomes relevant. Since most energy is still being discharged into the environment as waste heat, signficant amounts of renewable energy remains unused. Thermoelectric power generation systems offer a feasible method to convert available heat energy directly into electrical energy, irrespective of source size. However, implementation of present-day semiconductor materials into practical thermoelectric ap- plications has been hampered due to toxic and/or scarce elements and poor chemical stability at high temperatures. The use of silicide compounds as promising thermo- electric materials has enormous potential to overcome the above-mentioned problems, if their thermal conductivity can be reduced. In this report we formulate a model with which the thermal and electrical conductivity of such materials can be predicted. We also show some first results obtained with this approach, which holds a promise toward application in more detailed design of new materials for energy.