Topic: Microstructure Engineering and Performance Optimization in Thermoelectrics

Achieving high-performance thermoelectric materials requires the effective decoupling of electronic and phonon transport, whose inherent interdependence has long limited the efficiency of direct heat-to-electricity conversion. Microstructure engineering offers a powerful route to overcome this constraint through the rational control of grain boundaries, dislocations, nanoinclusions, and hierarchical architectures. This special issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research on the design, synthesis, characterization, and performance optimization of microstructurally tailored thermoelectrics, spanning conventional alloys, low-dimensional materials, and emerging topological systems. By integrating experimental advances with multiscale modeling, advanced microscopy, and in situ characterization, the contributions will establish new structure–transport relationships and provide practical strategies for independently optimizing charge and heat transport. Collectively, this Special Issue aims to advance next-generation thermoelectric technologies for efficient and sustainable waste-heat recovery, power generation, and solid-state cooling.

thermoelectric materials, thermoelectric properties, microstructure, thermoelectric modules, phonon transport