  Using Monte Carlo electronic transport simulations, coupled self-consistently
with the Poisson equation for electrostatics, we explore the thermoelectric
power factor of nanoengineered materials. These materials consist of
alternating highly doped and intrinsic regions on the scale of several
nanometers. This structure enables the creation of potential wells and
barriers, implementing a mechanism for filtering carrier energy. Our study
demonstrates that by carefully designing the nanostructure, we can
significantly enhance its thermoelectric power factor compared to the original
pristine material. Importantly, these enhancements stem not only from the
energy filtering effect that boosts the Seebeck coefficient but also from the
utilization of high-energy carriers within the wells and intrinsic barrier
regions to maintain relatively high electronic conductivity. These findings can
offer guidance for the design and optimization of new-generation thermoelectric
materials through improvements in the power factor.
