Research Progress of Thermoelectric Materials and Devices for Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) have been used in deep space exploration since 1960s. In this paper, the main characteristics and key technologies of the RTG battery are reviewed, and the current developments of high efficiency thermoelectric conversion materials and devices are introduced. Considering the requirements of the deep space exploration, the developments thoughts of the thermoelectric conversion and devices technologies for RTG are put forward.