Thermoelectric power generation efficiency of zigzag monolayer nanoribbon of bismuth

Abstract

The thermoelectric power generation efficiency of a bismuth monolayer nanoribbon has been studied theoretically. We calculate the conductance of such a structure using the multi-orbital tight-binding model and also recursive Green's function method, in the presence of a substrate and on-site potential. For the case of the SiC substrate-supported bismuth nanoribbon and by proper selection of on-site potential, a boxcar shape conductance in terms of energy has been obtained. Using the Landauer-Büttiker formalism in the non-linear response regime, we calculate heat and charge currents at low temperatures. By calculation of the electrical output power and power conversion thermoelectric efficiency, we have illustrated that such a structure can operate at high thermoelectric efficiency and also a considerable power generation rate. © 2020 IOP Publishing Ltd.