Graphite-like (metal!) regions and diamond-like (dielectric!) regions in carbon nanostructures are very closely spaced. Based on this unique feature, a model of thermal emf produced due to the drag of electrons by ballistic phonons is developed and a model of thermal conduction during heat transfer through the graphite-like/diamond-like region interface is proposed. Experiments with a thermoelectric generator based on film carbon nanostructures are analyzed. Models of a thermoelectric generator based on a composite of a graphite-like matrix containing diamond nanoparticles and graphene impurities are proposed. These models both demonstrate the above-mentioned phenomena and predict the achievement of the maximum thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

Keywords: thermoelectric generator, electron--phonon interaction, carbon nanostructures, ballistic phonon drag of electrons, graphite-like region, diamond-like region, heat transfer through the graphite-like/diamond-like region interface, composite of a graphite-like matrix with inclusions of diamond nanoparticles, graphene, thermoelectric generator efficiency PACS: 07.20.Pe, 44.10.+i, 65.80.Ck, 72.20.Pa, 73.40.Ns (all) DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.2020.06.038795 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2021/6/a/ 000691293300001 2-s2.0-85114960547 2021PhyU...64..535E Citation: Eidelman E D "Thermoelectric effect and thermoelectric generator based on carbon nanostructures: achievements and prospects" Phys. Usp. 64 535–557 (2021) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Received: 19th, April 2020, revised: 26th, May 2020, accepted: 26th, June 2020 Оригинал: Эйдельман Е Д «Термоэлектрический эффект и термоэлектрический генератор на основе углеродных наноструктур: достижения и перспективы» УФН 191 561–585 (2021); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.2020.06.038795