Investigation of thermoelectric properties of graphene superlattice

Abstract

Graphene and its derivatives have attracted significant attention due to their unique electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties which make it a promising material for device applications. This work theoretically investigated the thermoelectric properties of graphene superlattice which was subjected to a combined direct and alternative field. This was done by solving the Boltzmann’s kinetic equation within the semiclassical regime with the energy dispersion relation of graphene superlattice obtained using tight-binding approximation. The expressions for the resistivity, thermo-power as well as thermoelectric power factor of this novel material were derived analytical as a function of temperature, material parameters, and amplitudes of the external applied field. The findings suggest that graphene superlattice exhibits a metallic property, and as expected, its resistivity generally rises with temperature. Due to its low resistivity and high figure of merit at room temperature, graphene superlattice could be served as a suitable material for thermoelectric device applications.