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Interface-programmed nano energy systems for coupled solar conversion and thermoelectric power: a critical mini-review and translational roadmap
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DOI：10.3389/fenrg.2026.1865588.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Nano-enabled solar; thermoelectric; and hybrid photovoltaic–thermoelectric (PV–TEG) systems offer promising routes for improving renewable-energy utilization; yet the field remains fragmented across material classes; device architectures; and isolated performance metrics. This PRISMA-guided critical mini-review synthesizes 74 studies on nanomaterials for solar conversion; thermoelectric generation; and hybrid PV–TEG integration. The review develops an interface-programmed nano-energy framework in which photon absorption; charge-carrier extraction; phonon-mediated heat transport; interfacial thermal resistance; and device stability are treated as coupled design variables rather than separate material functions. The synthesis shows that quantum dots; perovskite nanocrystals; plasmonic nanoparticles; nanowires; superlattices; hierarchical nanocomposites; carbon nanomaterials; and two-dimensional materials enhance energy conversion mainly when their interfaces coordinate optical; electronic; and thermal pathways. For hybrid PV–TEG systems; the review shows that simple device stacking is insufficient because practical net energy gain depends on photovoltaic temperature control; thermal contact resistance; preservation of the thermoelectric temperature gradient; electrical load matching; packaging reliability; and comparison with PV-only and TEG-only references under matched operating conditions. The review further identifies a stability–toxicity–scalability trilemma that limits translation of high-efficiency or high-ZT nanomaterials into deployable energy systems; particularly for Pb-; Cd-; Te-; noble-metal-; and heat-sensitive platforms. To improve transparency and comparability; the review proposes an evidence-summary table; descriptive graphical synthesis; semi-quantitative material scoring; and a reporting checklist covering material identity; synthesis route; device architecture; performance metrics; stability testing; toxicity/sustainability evidence; scalability indicators; and net hybrid gain. Overall; this mini-review argues that future progress in nano-energy systems will depend on mechanism-aware; interface-programmed co-design that integrates efficient solar conversion; useful waste-heat recovery; durable interfaces; safer material chemistry; scalable processing; and validated system-level energy benefit.
Keywords:
nanomaterials
interface engineering
energy conversion
nano energy systems
photovoltaic–thermoelectric integration
Journal
IF:
2.4
Papers:
923
Citations:
1.4W
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Cited Papers