Interface-programmed nano energy systems for coupled solar conversion and thermoelectric power: a critical mini-review and translational roadmap

Abstract

Nano-enabled solar, thermoelectric, and hybrid photovoltaic–thermoelectric (PV–TEG) systems offer promising routes for improving renewable-energy utilization, yet the field remains fragmented across material classes, device architectures, and isolated performance metrics. This PRISMA-guided critical mini-review synthesizes 74 studies on nanomaterials for solar conversion, thermoelectric generation, and hybrid PV–TEG integration. The review develops an interface-programmed nano-energy framework in which photon absorption, charge-carrier extraction, phonon-mediated heat transport, interfacial thermal resistance, and device stability are treated as coupled design variables rather than separate material functions. The synthesis shows that quantum dots, perovskite nanocrystals, plasmonic nanoparticles, nanowires, superlattices, hierarchical nanocomposites, carbon nanomaterials, and two-dimensional materials enhance energy conversion mainly when their interfaces coordinate optical, electronic, and thermal pathways. For hybrid PV–TEG systems, the review shows that simple device stacking is insufficient because practical net energy gain depends on photovoltaic temperature control, thermal contact resistance, preservation of the thermoelectric temperature gradient, electrical load matching, packaging reliability, and comparison with PV-only and TEG-only references under matched operating conditions. The review further identifies a stability–toxicity–scalability trilemma that limits translation of high-efficiency or high-ZT nanomaterials into deployable energy systems, particularly for Pb-, Cd-, Te-, noble-metal-, and heat-sensitive platforms. To improve transparency and comparability, the review proposes an evidence-summary table, descriptive graphical synthesis, semi-quantitative material scoring, and a reporting checklist covering material identity, synthesis route, device architecture, performance metrics, stability testing, toxicity/sustainability evidence, scalability indicators, and net hybrid gain. Overall, this mini-review argues that future progress in nano-energy systems will depend on mechanism-aware, interface-programmed co-design that integrates efficient solar conversion, useful waste-heat recovery, durable interfaces, safer material chemistry, scalable processing, and validated system-level energy benefit.