Energy harvesting with thermoelectric materials has been investigated with increasing attention over recent decades. However, the vast number of various material classes makes it difficult to maintain an overview of the best candidates. Thus, we revitalize Ioffe plots as a useful tool for making the thermoelectric properties of a material obvious and easily comparable. These plots enable us to consider not only the efficiency of the material by the figure of merit zT but also the power factor and entropy conductivity as separate parameters. This is especially important for high-temperature applications, where a critical look at the impact of the power factor and thermal conductivity is mandatory. Thus, this review focuses on material classes for high-temperature applications and emphasizes the best candidates within the material classes of oxides, oxyselenides, Zintl phases, half-Heusler compounds, and SiGe alloys. An overall comparison between these material classes with respect to either a high efficiency or a high power output is discussed.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have been widely investigated for the last few years, introducing nanosheets and ultrathin films. The often superior electrical, optical and mechanical properties in contrast to their three-dimensional (3D) bulk counterparts offer a promising field of opportunities. Especially new research fields for already existing and novel applications are opened by downsizing and improving the materials at the same time. Some of the most promising application fields are namely supercapacitors, electrochromic devices, (bio-) chemical sensors, photovoltaic devices, thermoelectrics, (photo-) catalysts and membranes. The role of oxides in this field of materials deserves a closer look due to their availability, durability and further advantages. Here, recent progress in oxidic nanosheets is highlighted and the benefit of 2D oxides for applications discussed in-depth. Therefore, different synthesis techniques and microstructures are compared more closely.