As a result, researches in TE materials are mainly focusing on the improving of efficiency and developing cheap materials. In this paper, the fundamental, challenges and applications of thermoelectric materials were reviewed. In addition, currently research in thermoelectric materials and improving their efficiency will also be reviewed. | Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology 56 (1A) (2018) 1-13 THERMOELECTRIC MATERIALS: FUNDAMENTAL, APPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES Bui Duc Long1, *, Duong Ngoc Binh1, Le Minh Hai1, Le Hong Thang2, Tran Duc Huy3 1 Department of Non-ferrous Metals and Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, HUST, 1 Dai Co Viet, Ha Noi 2 Central Laboratory of Metals Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, HUST, 1 Dai Co Viet, Ha Noi 3 Department of Materials and Foundry Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, HUST, 1 Dai Co Viet, Ha Noi * Email: Received: 15 August 2017; Accepted for publication: 21 February 2018 ABSTRACT Energy and the environment are popular themes in the 21st century because both are closely interlinked. The current technologies are focusing on finding new, clean, safe and renewable energy sources for a better environment. Thermoelectric (TE) materials are able to generate electricity when applied a temperature different at a junction of two dissimilar materials. This is a promising technology to directly convert waste heat into electricity without any gas emission, thus providing one of the most clean and safe energy. However, the applications of TE devices are still limited due to its low energy conversion efficiency and high material cost. As a result, researches in TE materials are mainly focusing on the improving of efficiency and developing cheap materials. In this paper, the fundamental, challenges and applications of thermoelectric materials were reviewed. In addition, currently research in thermoelectric materials and improving their efficiency will also be reviewed. Keywords: thermoelectric materials, energy conversion, energy materials, and clean energy. 1. INTRODUCTION The world projected population and rapid economic growth lead to dramatically increase the demand for energy in the next decades [1]. According to the Energy Information Administration [2], total world .
