Solving the thermoelectric `trade-off` conundrum with metallic carbon nanotubes
(PHYSorg.com Nanotechnology)

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have used aligned `metallic` carbon nanotubes to create a device which converts heat to electrical energy (a thermoelectric device) with a higher power output than pure semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in random networks. The new device bypasses the troublesome trade-off in semiconductors between conductivity and electrical voltage, significantly outperforming its counterpart. High power thermoelectric devices may pave the way for more efficient use of waste heat, like wearable electronics.