Germanium telluride (GeTe)-based compounds have drawn attention as one of the most promising thermoelectrics for mid-to-high-temperature applications such as heat recovery from automotive exhaust emissions and radioisotope thermoelectric generators. The thermoelectric performance of GeTe-based materials can be improved by general methods such as band engineering and phonon engineering. However, further progress has been made to optimize thermoelectric performance using targeted strategies that take advantage of the structural properties of GeTe. We consider the targeted phase, defect and entropy engineering strategies used to optimize the electrical and thermal properties of GeTe-based materials. We also showcase the potential of GeTe-based materials for practical thermoelectric applications. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges and prospects for GeTe thermoelectrics and their modules in future research.

碲化锗（GeTe）基化合物作为最有前途的中高温应用热电材料之一而引起人们的关注，例如汽车尾气排放的热回收和放射性同位素热电发电机。GeTe基材料的热电性能可以通过能带工程、声子工程等通用方法来提高。然而，利用GeTe结构特性的针对性策略，在优化热电性能方面取得了进一步的进展。我们考虑用于优化 GeTe 基材料的电学和热学性能的目标相、缺陷和熵工程策略。我们还展示了 GeTe 基材料在实际热电应用中的潜力。最后，我们讨论了GeTe热电材料及其模块在未来研究中面临的挑战和前景。