Surface polarization enhanced Seebeck effects in vertical multi-layer metal–polymer–metal thin-film devices

We explore a new mechanism to develop Seebeck effects by using temperature-dependent surface polarization based on vertical multi-layer Al–P3HT:PCBM–Al thin-film devices. Here, the temperature-dependent surface polarization functions as an additional driving force, as compared with the traditional driving force from the entropy difference, to diffuse the charge carriers under a temperature gradient towards the development of Seebeck effects. The temperature-dependent surface polarization is essentially generated by both the thermally dependent polarization through the charge–phonon coupling mechanism and the thermally modulated interface dipoles by Fermi electrons. It is noted that the entropy difference often causes an inverse relationship between the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity in thermoelectric developments. However, this temperature-dependent surface polarization provides a mechanism allowing a co-operative relationship between the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity. We demonstrate simultaneously the enhanced Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity by using the dielectric interface through the temperature-dependent surface polarization to diffuse charge carriers in the Al–MoO3–P3HT:PCBM–Al thin-film device.