Anisotropies and the thermoelectric properties of semiconducting polymers

In this article, we present a review of the thermoelectric properties of semiconducting polymers. Organic semiconductors have emerged as promising materials for the capture of low-grade waste heat and for local temperature control. The thermoelectric performance of a material is dictated by its electrical conductivity, thermopower, and thermal conductivity. The role of processing methods, particularly of alignment methods, on the electrical properties of polymers are described in the context of their thermoelectric properties. We review recent work on understanding the anisotropy of the thermal conductivity of polymers and present an outlook for future research directions toward improved organic thermoelectrics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44403