  Topological insulators (TIs) are a new quantum state of matter which have
gapless surface states inside the bulk energy gap. Starting with the discovery
of two dimensional TIs, the HgTe-based quantum wells, many new topological
materials have been theoretically predicted and experimentally observed.
Currently known TI materials can possibly be classified into two families, the
HgTe family and the Bi2Se family. The signatures found in the electronic
structure of a TI also cause these materials to be excellent thermoelectric
materials. On the other hand, excellent thermoelectric materials can be also
topologically trivial. Here we present a short introduction to topological
insulators and thermoelectrics, and give examples of compound classes were both
good thermoelectric properties and topological insulators can be found.
