THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermoelectric conversion element in which excellent adhesiveness between a thermoelectric conversion element body and a metal coating is ensured, by controlling irregularities on the surface of the thermoelectric conversion element body.SOLUTION: In a thermoelectric conversion element 1, a metal coating 20, such as Ni plating, is formed on the surface of a thermoelectric conversion element body 10 comprising a Bi-Te-based semiconductor, or the like. Predetermined irregularities are formed on the surface of the thermoelectric conversion element body 10 where the metal coating 20 is provided. More specifically, depth d of the recess 10a in the irregularities is 5-25 μm, and the number of the recesses 10a per 20 μm of the thermoelectric conversion element body 10 in the width direction is 2-7, in the cross section of the thermoelectric conversion element body 10 in the thickness direction.