| 摘要 |
Diamond-like carbon based thermoelectric conversion devices and methods of making and using the same which have improved conversion efficiencies and increased reliability. The device can include a cathode (25) having a base member (60) with a layer of diamond-like carbon material (5) such as amorphous diamond coated over the cathode (25). A dielectric intermediate member (55) can be electrically coupled between the diamond-like carbon material (5) and an anode (30). Various additional layers and configurations can allow for improved performance such as multiple cathode layers and/or multiple intermediate layers. The thermoelectric conversion devices can be configured as an electrical generator and/or a cooling device and can be conveniently formed. In addition, the devices of the present invention do not require formation of a vacuum space and are typically completely solid throughout. As a result, the devices of the present invention are susceptible of mass production at reduced costs and have improved conversion efficiencies and reliability.
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