Thermoelectric materials, which can generate an
electric voltage in the presence of a temperature difference, are
currently an area of intense research; thermoelectric energy
harvesting technology is among our best shots at greatly reducing
the use of fossil fuels and helping prevent a worldwide energy
crisis. However, there are various types of thermoelectric
mechanisms, some of which are less understood despite recent
efforts. A recent study from scientists in Korea aims to fill one
such gap in knowledge.