At least one of the present embodiments generally relates to an apparatus and a method for enhancing the figure of merit (zT) in composite thermoelectric materials using aerogel such as e.g., silicate/silica aerogel, carbon aerogel, chalcogenide aerogel and metal oxide aerogel. For example, the present embodiments provide apparatuses and methods for the addition of aerogels to two commonly used p and n type thermoelectric materials and thereby enhancing their thermoelectric figure of merits to record levels.