Thermoelectric generator

A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric generator, comprising:

• providing a substrate;
• providing, on the substrate, one or more thermoelectric elements
• forming a cavity between the substrate and the thermoelectric elements, and
• providing, within the cavity, a support structure for supporting the thermoelectric elements, the support structure having a thermal conductivity lower than a thermal conductivity of the substrate.

A thermoelectric generator, comprising:

• a substrate;
• a cavity in the substrate;
• a support structure in the cavity;
• and
• a thermoelectric element including:
• a plurality first thermoelectric nanostructures supported above the substrate by the support structure and doped with N-type dopants;
• and
• a plurality of thermoelectric nanostructures supported above the substrate by the support structure and doped with P-type dopants.