Quantum coherent control of linear and nonlinear thermoelectricity on graphene nanostructure heat engines

Abstract

We theoretically show how structural modifications and controlling quantum coherency can enhance linear and nonlinear thermoelectric performance in graphene nanostructure heat engines. Although graphene has emerged as a promising material for a nanoscale heat engine due to its high coherency and tunable electronic properties, its large lattice thermal transport often limits its thermal efficiency. Using the density-functional tight-binding method, we demonstrate that one can suppress lattice thermal transport degrading the thermal efficiency by deliberately manipulating the junction's bending angle at low temperatures. We further argue that applying an optimal local gate voltage unleashes its great potential in achieving excellent efficiency and reasonably high output power that persist in the fully nonlinear regime.