The development of flexible thermoelectric devices (F-TEDs) has significantly improved their thermoelectric performance and unique flexibility, with increasing efforts directed toward standardization and commercialization. Among the various types of F-TEDs, those incorporating all-inorganic bulk materials are more practical and broadly applicable due to the superior thermoelectric performance of these materials compared to F-TEDs using flexible films and fibers. In recent years, innovative design approaches for inorganic bulk-based F-TEDs have emerged, showcasing their distinct advantages. This review provides a timely and comprehensive summary of the research progress on inorganic bulk-based F-TEDs utilizing thermoelectric materials. We begin by discussing advancements in newly developed inorganic bulks, including traditional near-room-temperature bismuth-telluride-based materials, and more recent plastic materials. We then explore design strategies and innovations in inorganic bulk-based F-TEDs, covering areas such as computational modeling, device structures, heat flow analysis, advanced fabrication techniques, diffusion barriers, flexibilization strategies, liquid metal interconnects, and flexible heat sinks. Additionally, we review the testing standards for F-TEDs and highlight the recent application advancements in flexible power generation, cooling, and heating. Finally, we address the current challenges in this field and offer insights into future development prospects. This work is essential for advancing the design, application, standardization, and commercialization of F-TEDs.

中文翻译：

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无机体基柔性热电器件的研究进展与挑战


柔性热电器件 （F-TED） 的发展显著提高了其热电性能和独特的灵活性，并加大了标准化和商业化的努力。在各种类型的 F-TED 中，与使用柔性薄膜和纤维的 F-TED 相比，这些材料具有卓越的热电性能，因此采用全无机块状材料的 F-TED 更实用且适用范围更广。近年来，无机体基 F-TED 的创新设计方法不断涌现，展现了其独特的优势。本文及时、全面地总结了利用热电材料的无机体基 F-TEDs 的研究进展。我们首先讨论了新开发的无机块体的进步，包括传统的近室温碲化铋基材料，以及最近的塑料材料。然后，我们探讨了基于无机体的 F-TED 的设计策略和创新，涵盖计算建模、器件结构、热流分析、先进制造技术、扩散势垒、弹性化策略、液态金属互连和柔性散热器等领域。此外，我们还回顾了 F-TED 的测试标准，并重点介绍了灵活发电、冷却和加热方面的最新应用进展。最后，我们解决了该领域当前面临的挑战，并提供了对未来发展前景的见解。这项工作对于推进 F-TED 的设计、应用、标准化和商业化至关重要。