Nanostructured Bismuth Telluride Thermoelectric Generators for Sustainable Energy Harvesting in Solar Thermal Systems: Green Technology for Waste Heat Recovery
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 1 (March 2026) pp. 616-624
Abstract
This study investigates nanostructured bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃) thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for sustainable waste heat recovery in solar thermal applications. Nanostructured Bi₂Te₃ materials were synthesized via hydrothermal methods and characterized using XRD, SEM, and TEM, demonstrating an improved figure of merit (ZT = 1.28 at 180℃) compared to conventional bulk materials (ZT = 0.95). The TEG modules incorporating these nanomaterials were deployed in a 200 m² pilot evacuated tube solar thermal system to exploit temperature gradients for electricity generation from waste heat. The hybrid system achieved a 4.9 percentage-point absolute improvement in overall system efficiency (67.9% to 72.8%), with the TEG modules contributing additional electrical output. Module-level thermoelectric conversion efficiency reached 5–8% at temperature differentials of 50–100℃. Environmental lifecycle assessment revealed significant carbon footprint reduction, with greenhouse gas payback achieved within the first year of operation and an energy payback period of 2.8 years. The nanostructured thermoelectric materials exhibited superior thermal stability over extended thermal cycling, validating long-term durability under realistic solar operating conditions. This work establishes nanomaterial-based TEG technology as a viable green solution for industrial waste heat recovery, contributing to sustainable energy systems.
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