Researchers introduce novel heat transport theory in quest for efficient thermoelectrics

NCCR MARVEL researchers have developed a novel microscopic theory that is able to describe heat transport in very general ways, and applies equally well to ordered or disordered materials such as crystals or glasses and to anything in between. This is not only a significant first—no transport equation has been able so far to account simultaneously for these two regimes—it also shows, surprisingly, that heat can tunnel quantum-mechanically, rather than diffuse away like an atomic vibration. The new equation also allows the accurate prediction of the performance of thermoelectric materials for the first time. With ultralow, glass-like, thermal conductivity, such materials are highly sought in energy research. They can turn heat into electricity, or use electricity for cooling without the need for pumps and environmentally harmful gases.

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