Phonon engineering in nanostructures for solid-state energy conversion

Solid-state energy conversion technologies such as thermoelectric and thermionic refrigeration and power generation require materials with low thermal conductivity but good electrical conductivity, which are difficult to realize in bulk semiconductors. Nanostructures such as quantum wires and quantum wells provide alternative approaches to improve the solid-state energy conversion efficiency through size effects on the electron and phonon transport. In this paper, we discuss the possibility of engineering the phonon transport in nanostructures, with emphases on the thermal conductivity of superlattices. Following a general discussion on the directions for reducing the lattice thermal conductivity in nanostructures, specific modeling results on the phonon transport in superlattices will be presented and compared with recent experimental studies to illustrate the potential approaches and remaining questions.