Recent advances in flexible thermoelectrics

Recently, flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials and devices have attracted extensive attention due to their capability to convert heat into electricity directly and their conformal contact with arbitrarily shaped heat sources, demonstrating great promise for application in self-powered portable/wearable low power consuming electronics. Here, we review the state of the art in the development of flexible TEs, including TE modules and materials themselves. The remaining challenges that limit the practical application of flexible TE devices are discussed, and possible solutions and suggestions to guide future development are also provided in this perspective.