Technologies for manufacturing of Bi-Te-based thermoelectric materials

Bismuth-Telluride(Bi-Te)-based alloys are well-known for their high thermoelectric conversion efficiency, especially near room temperature, making them ideal for applications in solid-state refrigeration and power generation from waste heat. However, to expand their applications further, it is essential to improve their performance and reliability. To achieve these goals, recent research has been dedicated to developing processing technologies that can concurrently enhance the thermoelectric and mechanical properties. This is particularly crucial because the manufacturing process for these materials is intricate and demands precise parameter control to ensure the production of high-quality products. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the process technology employed in manufacturing Bi-Te-based thermoelectric materials, alongside introducing a cutting-edge near net shape hot extrusion technique recently developed for their production.