Bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃) is an important semiconductor material, which is widely used mainly because of its excellent thermoelectric properties. The thermoelectric properties of bismuth telluride are expressed in its Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, which determine its efficiency in thermoelectric power generation and cooling.

Bismuth telluride is a semiconductor material with excellent thermoelectric properties, and its main uses are concentrated in the field of thermoelectricity, including:

1. Thermoelectric power generation: Bismuth telluride is a key material for thermoelectric generators (thermoelectric modules) that can directly convert temperature differences into electrical energy. This technology is used to recover waste heat and convert it into electricity, for example in the fields of vehicle exhaust, industrial waste heat, solar thermal power generation, etc.

2. Thermoelectric cooling: Bismuth telluride is also used in thermoelectric chillers, which utilize the Peltier effect to achieve cooling. These coolers are useful in situations where precise temperature control is required, such as cooling of electronic devices, thermostatic control of medical devices, laboratory equipment, etc.

3. Temperature control: Due to its good thermoelectric properties, bismuth telluride is used in the manufacture of thermoelectric sensors and thermoelectric controllers for precise temperature measurement and control.

4. Thermoelectric Cooling Clothing: Bismuth telluride thermoelectric modules have also been used to develop cooling clothing that provides personal temperature regulation for the wearer, especially those working in high-temperature environments.

5. Scientific research: In materials science and physics research, bismuth telluride is used as a model system to study thermoelectric effects and the properties of thermoelectric materials, helping scientists to understand and improve thermoelectric technology.