Engineering Process of Polymer for Thermoelectric Applications

Thermoelectric (TE) materials, which are capable of direct conversion between heat and electricity, offer a promising solution for sustainable energy harvesting. Conjugated polymers have emerged as compelling candidates for flexible TE devices owing to their intrinsic flexibility, low cost, and low thermal conductivity. The performance of polymer-based organic thermoelectrics (OTEs) is profoundly influenced by the processing methods, which dictate molecular packing, crystallinity, and film morphology. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in polymer processing techniques for TE applications, including solution processing, patterning techniques, and large-area fabrication. We discuss the interrelationships among processing techniques, polymer microstructure, and TE performance, concluding with the current challenges and future perspectives for industrializing high-performance OTE devices.