NOVELTY - A thermoelectric material comprises a thermoelectric semiconductor; and a nanosheet having a layered structure and a thickness of 0.1-10 nanometers; or thermoelectric semiconductor; and a metal hydroxide having a layered structure.    USE - As thermoelectric material in thermoelectric element having a monolithic shape and in thermoelectric module (claimed); and in systems such as a micro cooling system, a general-purpose cooling device, an air conditioner, or a cogeneration system; in semiconductor apparatus to provide passive cooling system and electronic device to provide active cooling system; as thermoelectric power generating material applied to e.g. car engine or in an industrial factory, to generate power from a temperature difference generated at opposite ends of the thermoelectric power generating material.    ADVANTAGE - The thermoelectric element comprising the material has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 1.0 Watts per meter-Kelvin. The thermoelectric material has improved thermoelectric performance by decreasing lattice thermal conductivity or increasing a Seebeck coefficient compared to a general alloy type thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric material can provide a quantum confinement effect or PGEC structure, which is provided in a thin film or in a bulk shape, and can be usefully employed by various thermoelectric devices, such as a micro cooling system, a general-purpose cooling device, an air conditioner, or a cogeneration system. The nanosheet improves thermoelectric performance by improving characteristics of conduction/photon scattering, thickness of nanosheet, and reaction control with a matrix. The higher efficiency thermoelectric cooling material provides for an expanded range of applications, including general-use cooling, such as in a refrigerator or an air conditioner.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) a thermoelectric element comprising the thermoelectric material; and    (2) a thermoelectric module comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; and the thermoelectric element disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.