Recently, the research team led by Zhang Xing and Ma Weigang from the School of Aerospace Engineering at Tsinghua University has made remarkable strides in the realm of ionic thermoelectrics. On the theoretical front, the team has elucidated the three fundamental thermoelectric effects—namely, the Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects—that are inherent in ionic systems. Through meticulous experimental observation of the Peltier effect, they have confirmed the direct interconversion between heat and electricity within ionic thermoelectric systems. Furthermore, they have validated the applicability of the classical thermoelectric Kelvin relationship to ionic systems, thereby laying the groundwork for a theoretical framework governing the thermoelectric effects in ionic thermoelectrics.
