Topological semimetals can generate sizable transverse thermoelectric figure of merit

(Science China Press) Thermoelectric materials can convert temperature difference in a conducting solid into electrical energy, or vice versa. However, the conventional thermoelectric effect, i.e., the longitudinal Seebeck effect, meets some severe limitations in promoting its conversion efficiency. Now, scientists in Chinese Academy of Sciences have found large transverse thermoelectric effect in a topological semimetal. This may open an alternative way to harvest thermoelectric energy.