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Plasmonic heating in geometrically optimized bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃) nanostructures enables efficient thermoelectric energy harvesting by reducing interfacial losses compared to metal nanoparticle-dependent systems. We demonstrate that 3D Bi₂Te₃ nanowire networks, fabricated via template-assisted electrochemical deposition, achieve a localized temperature rise of 14 °C under 650 nm illumination, which is twice the heating obtained in 1D nanowire arrays and three times higher than Bi₂Te₃ films, through intrinsic plasmonic resonance. Raman thermometry and wavelength-dependent analysis reveal that this geometric enhancement correlates with a 250 % increase in thermoelectric voltage output compared to conventional designs. By leveraging Bi₂Te₃’s dual functionality as a topological insulator and plasmonic material, our work establishes a scalable, cost-effective platform for advanced energy harvesting devices, with immediate applications in wearable IoT systems and sustainable thermal management technologies. • Bi 2 Te 3 nanostructures enable metal-free plasmonic thermoelectric energy harvesting. • 3D nanowires show 14 °C rise at 650 nm, 2× 1D arrays and 3× thin films, enhancing Seebeck voltage. • Raman thermometry links thermal gradients and geometry to 250% boost in thermoelectric voltage. • Scalable, cost-effective route to integrate plasmonic thermoelectrics in wearables and IoT.
Caballero‐Calero et al. (Mon,) studied this question.