An overview of oxidation in hybrid and glass-based protective coatings for thermoelectric materials for medium-temperature range applications

Several oxidation protective coatings, both glass-based and ceramic/polymer hybrid coatings, for p- and n-type thermoelectrics were designed at the Politecnico di Torino in recent years, and they were characterised and tested under relevant conditions. The ‘glass-ceramic route’ to obtain a thermo-mechanical compatible and high-temperature resistant coated thermoelectric is discussed with some examples. Oxidation tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the coatings for the protection of both n- and p-type thermoelectrics.