Thermoelectric Enhancement under Hydrodynamic Regime in Interconnected Nanowire Networks

Recent advancements in the field of thermoelectric materials have highlighted the substantial benefits of employing 3D interconnected nanowire scaffoldings. These scaffoldings have demonstrated a significant enhancement in thermoelectric efficiency when compared to 1D nanowires and films grown under similar electrodeposition conditions. A key contributing factor to this improvement is the marked reduction in thermal conductivity (κ) observed in Bi2Te3 3D nanonetworks, while concurrently preserving high electrical conductivity.<br/><br/>Employing a comprehensive approach, we have conducted an in-depth analysis of these structures, employing the Guyer and Krumhansl Equation through in a Finite Element methodology, coupled with ab initio calculations for the transport parameters from the Kinetic Collective Model (KCM). Our findings have revealed that the laplacian (viscous) term in the Guyer and Krumhansl Equation is chiefly responsible for the observed reduction in heat flux within the interconnections. Specifically, the hydrodynamic nature of heat within these interconnected regions has led to a remarkable decrease in the thermal conductivity, as compared to that of the individual nanowires lacking such interconnections.<br/><br/>Through this investigation, we shed light on the critical influence of hydrodynamic effects on heat transport in intricate nanowire networks, offering valuable insights for the development of more efficient thermoelectric materials..