1
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Tsai YF, Yang MJ, Deng JR, Liao CN, Wu HJ. Reducing Domain Density Enhances Conversion Efficiency in GeTe. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2312206. [PMID: 38483011 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202312206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Incorporating dilute doping and controlled synthesis provides a means to modulate the microstructure, defect density, and transport properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and geometric phase analysis (GPA) have revealed that hot-pressing can increase defect density, which redistributes strain and helps prevent unwanted Ge precipitates formation. An alloy of GeTe with a minute amount of indium added has shown remarkable TE properties compared to its undoped counterpart. Specifically, it achieves a maximum figure-of-merit zT of 1.3 at 683 K and an exceptional TE conversion efficiency of 2.83% at a hot-side temperature of 723 K. Significant zT and conversion efficiency improvements are mainly due to domain density engineering facilitated by an effective hot-pressing technique applied to lightly doped GeTe. The In-GeTe alloy exhibits superior TE properties and demonstrates notable stability under significant thermal gradients, highlighting its promise for use in mid-temperature TE energy generation systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fen Tsai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
| | - Min-Jung Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Jie-Ru Deng
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Neng Liao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Jay Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
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2
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Chen BC, Wang KK, Wu HJ. Cation Modulation in AgSbTe 2 Realizes Carrier Optimization, Defect Engineering, and a 7% Single-Leg Thermoelectric Efficiency. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2401723. [PMID: 38711306 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
AgSbTe2 plays a pivotal role in mid-temperature thermoelectric generators (TEGs). Leveraging the seminal advances in cation manipulation within AgSbTe2, this study demonstrates an enhanced TE power factor (PF = S2σ) of 1.5 mWm-1 K-2 and a peak zT of 1.5 at 583 K in an off-stoichiometric Ag1.04Sb0.96Te2 crystal. The introduction of Ge in place of Ag leads to an increased nH as evidenced by the detection of trace Ge4+ through XPS analysis. Further chemical state analysis reveals the simultaneous presence of Ag+, Sb3+, and Ge4+, elucidating the effect of cation modulations. TEM characterizations validate the presence of superlattice structure, and the linear defects discerned within the AgSbTe2 matrix. Consequently, the lattice thermal conductivity κL is substantially reduced in the Ag1.02Ge0.02Sb0.96Te2 crystal, yielding a peak zT of 1.77 at 623 K. This notable advancement is attributed to the counterbalance achieved between the enhanced PF and the reduced κL, facilitated by cation modulation. Additionally, a single-leg TE device incorporating Ag1.02Ge0.02Sb0.96Te2 demonstrates a conversion efficiency of 7% across a temperature gradient (ΔT) of 350 K. This study corroborates the efficacy of cation modulation through thermodynamic approaches and establishes a relationship between transport properties and the presence of defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Chia Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Kuo Wang
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Jay Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
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3
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Jen IL, Lin CS, Wang KK, Wu HJ. Tuning Interstitials in Fully Dense β-Zn 4Sb 3 Doubles Single-Leg Thermoelectric Efficiency. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:51110-51116. [PMID: 37903337 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Zinc antimonides, particularly the β-Zn4Sb3 compound, act as prototypes in the early phases of thermoelectric generator (TEG) development. However, their potential applications are constrained by structural instability at elevated temperatures. In this study, introducing a low concentration of aluminum (Al) achieves a highly stable Al-Zn4Sb3, exhibiting an improved peak zT value compared to undoped Zn4Sb3. Notably, a single-leg device utilizing a fully dense Al0.01Zn3.99Sb3 demonstrates an impressive conversion efficiency (η) of 3% even at a temperature difference (ΔT) of 225 K. This result represents an approximately 200% increase compared with the pristine one. The combination of dilute cationic doping and phase diagram engineering solidifies the potential of Zn4Sb3 as an efficient and sustainable green energy device.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Lun Jen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Shien Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Kuo Wang
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Jay Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
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4
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Zhang Q, Ti Z, Zhang Y, Nan P, Li S, Li D, Liu Q, Tang S, Siddique S, Zhang Y, Ge B, Tang G. Ultralow Lattice Thermal Conductivity and High Thermoelectric Performance in Ge 1-x-yBi xCa yTe with Ultrafine Ferroelectric Domain Structure. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:21187-21197. [PMID: 37083164 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
GeTe and its derivatives emerging as a promising lead-free thermoelectric candidate have received extensive attention. Here, a new route was proposed that the minimization of κL in GeTe through considerable enhancement of acoustic phonon scattering by introducing ultrafine ferroelectric domain structure. We found that Bi and Ca dopants induce strong atomic strain disturbance in the GeTe matrix because of large differences in atom radius with host elements, leading to the formation of ultrafine ferroelectric domain structure. Furthermore, large strain field and mass fluctuation induced by Bi and Ca codoping result in further reduced κL by effectively shortening the phonon relaxation time. The co-existence of ultrafine ferroelectric domain structure, large strain field, and mass fluctuation contribute to an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity of 0.48 W m-1 K-1 at 823 K. Bi and Ca codoping significantly enhances the Seebeck coefficient and power factor through reducing the energy offset between light and heavy valence bands of GeTe. The modified band structure boosts the power factor up to 47 μW cm-1 K-2 in Ge0.85Bi0.09Ca0.06Te. Ultimately, a high ZT of ∼2.2 can be attained. This work demonstrates a new design paradigm for developing high-performance thermoelectric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingtang Zhang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallic and Intermetallic Materials Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Zhuoyang Ti
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Pengfei Nan
- Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Shuang Li
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallic and Intermetallic Materials Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Di Li
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Qingfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Shaolong Tang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Suniya Siddique
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallic and Intermetallic Materials Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Yongsheng Zhang
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong Province 273165, China
| | - Binghui Ge
- Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Guodong Tang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallic and Intermetallic Materials Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
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5
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Wood ND, Gillie LJ, Cooke DJ, Molinari M. A Review of Key Properties of Thermoelectric Composites of Polymers and Inorganic Materials. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:8672. [PMID: 36500167 PMCID: PMC9738949 DOI: 10.3390/ma15238672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This review focusses on the development of thermoelectric composites made of oxide or conventional inorganic materials, and polymers, with specific emphasis on those containing oxides. Discussion of the current state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials, including the individual constituent materials, i.e., conventional materials, oxides and polymers, is firstly presented to provide the reader with a comparison of the top-performing thermoelectric materials. Then, individual materials used in the inorganic/polymer composites are discussed to provide a comparison of the performance of the composites themselves. Finally, the addition of carbon-based compounds is discussed as a route to improving the thermoelectric performance. For each topic discussed, key thermoelectric properties are tabulated and comparative figures are presented for a wide array of materials.
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6
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Zhou Q, Tan X, Zhang Q, Wang R, Guo Z, Cai J, Ye J, Liu G, Jiang J. Synergistically Optimized Carrier and Phonon Transport Properties in Bi-Cu 2S Coalloyed GeTe. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:45621-45627. [PMID: 36174115 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c14636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
GeTe is an emerging lead-free thermoelectric material, but its excessive carrier concentration and high thermal conductivity severely restrict the enhancement of thermoelectric properties. In this study, the synergistically optimized thermoelectric properties of p-type GeTe through Bi-Cu2S coalloying are reported. It can be found that the donor behavior of Bi and the substitution-interstitial defect pairs of Cu+ ions effectively reduce the hole concentration to an optimal level with carrier mobility less affected. At the same time, Bi-Cu2S coalloying induces many phonon scattering centers involving stacking faults, nanoprecipitations, grain boundaries and tetrahedral dislocations and suppresses the lattice thermal conductivity to 0.64 W m-1 K-1. Consequently, all effects synergistically yield a peak ZT of 1.9 at 770 K with a theoretical conversion efficiency of 14.5% (300-770 K) in the (Ge0.94Bi0.06Te)0.988(Cu2S)0.012 sample, which is very promising for mid-low temperature range waste heat harvest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo315211, China
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo315201, China
| | - Xiaojian Tan
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo315201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo315201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo315201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Zhe Guo
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo315201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo315201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Jun Ye
- School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo315211, China
| | - Guoqiang Liu
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo315201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo315201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing100049, China
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7
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Jen I, Wang K, Wu H. Aliovalent Dilute Doping and Nano-Moiré Fringe Advance the Structural Stability and Thermoelectric Performance in β-Zn 4Sb 3. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:2201802. [PMID: 36177250 PMCID: PMC9475506 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Thermoelectric (TE) generators have come a long way since the first commercial apparatus launched in the 1950s. Since then, the β-Zn4Sb3 has manifested its potential as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly TE generator compared with the tellurium-bearing TE materials. Although the β-Zn4Sb3 features an intrinsically low thermal conductivity κ, it suffers from a long-lasting structural instability issue arising from the highly mobile zinc ions. Herein, the dilute Ga dopant gives rise to the aliovalent substitution, lowers the mobile zinc ions, and optimizes the hole carrier concentration n H simultaneously. Meanwhile, the formation of nano-moiré fringes suggests the modulated distribution of point defect that results from soluble Ga in a β-Zn4Sb3 lattice, which elicits an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity κ L = 0.2 W m-1 K-1 in a (Zn0.992Ga0.008)4Sb3 alloy. Hence, a fully dense β-Zn4Sb3 incorporated with the dilute Ga doping reveals superior structural stability with a peak zT > 1.4 at 623 K. In this work, the aliovalent dilute doping coupled with phase diagram engineering optimizes the fluxes of moving electrons and charged ions, which stabilizes the single-phase β-Zn4Sb3 while boosting the TE performance at the mid-temperature region. The synergistic strategies endow the ionic crystals with a thermodynamic route, which opens up a new category for high-performance and thermal robust TE alloys.
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Affiliation(s)
- I‐Lun Jen
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityHsinchu30010Taiwan
| | - Kuang‐Kuo Wang
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic ScienceNational Sun Yat‐sen UniversityKaohsiung80424Taiwan
| | - Hsin‐Jay Wu
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityHsinchu30010Taiwan
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8
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Cao J, Sim Y, Tan XY, Zheng J, Chien SW, Jia N, Chen K, Tay YB, Dong JF, Yang L, Ng HK, Liu H, Tan CKI, Xie G, Zhu Q, Li Z, Zhang G, Hu L, Zheng Y, Xu J, Yan Q, Loh XJ, Mathews N, Wu J, Suwardi A. Upcycling Silicon Photovoltaic Waste into Thermoelectrics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2110518. [PMID: 35257424 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202110518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Two decades after the rapid expansion of photovoltaics, the number of solar panels reaching end-of-life is increasing. While precious metals such as silver and copper are usually recycled, silicon, which makes up the bulk of a solar cells, goes to landfills. This is due to the defect- and impurity-sensitive nature in most silicon-based technologies, rendering it uneconomical to purify waste silicon. Thermoelectrics represents a rare class of material in which defects and impurities can be engineered to enhance the performance. This is because of the majority-carrier nature, making it defect- and impurity-tolerant. Here, the upcycling of silicon from photovoltaic (PV) waste into thermoelectrics is enabled. This is done by doping 1% Ge and 4% P, which results in a figure of merit (zT) of 0.45 at 873 K, the highest among silicon-based thermoelectrics. The work represents an important piece of the puzzle in realizing a circular economy for photovoltaics and electronic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cao
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Ying Sim
- Energy Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University (ERI@N), Research Techno Plaza, X-Frontier Block Level 5, 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637553, Singapore
- Singapore-CEA Alliance for Research in Circular Economy (SCARCE), School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637459, Singapore
| | - Xian Yi Tan
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Jie Zheng
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Sheau Wei Chien
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Ning Jia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Kewei Chen
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yeow Boon Tay
- Energy Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University (ERI@N), Research Techno Plaza, X-Frontier Block Level 5, 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637553, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School (IGS), Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Jin-Feng Dong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Le Yang
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Hong Kuan Ng
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Hongfei Liu
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Chee Kiang Ivan Tan
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Guofeng Xie
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, 411201, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Zibiao Li
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), A*STAR, 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore, 627833, Singapore
| | - Gang Zhang
- Institute of High Performance Computing, 1 Fusionopolis Way, Connexis, Singapore, 138632, Singapore
| | - Lei Hu
- Laboratory for Materials and Structures, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yun Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430056, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Xu
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Qingyu Yan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Xian Jun Loh
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Nripan Mathews
- Energy Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University (ERI@N), Research Techno Plaza, X-Frontier Block Level 5, 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637553, Singapore
- Singapore-CEA Alliance for Research in Circular Economy (SCARCE), School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637459, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Jing Wu
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Ady Suwardi
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
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9
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Chen WY, Shi XL, Zou J, Chen ZG. Thermoelectric Coolers: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities. SMALL METHODS 2022; 6:e2101235. [PMID: 34989165 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202101235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the free of noise, mechanical component, working fluid, and chemical reaction, thermoelectric cooling is regarded as a suitable solution to address the greenhouse emission for the broad cooling scenarios. Here, the significant progress of state-of-the-art thermoelectric coolers is comprehensively summarized and the related aspects of materials, fundamental design, heat sinks, and structures, are overviewed. Particularly, the usage of thermoelectric coolers in smart city, greenhouse, and personal and chip thermal management is highlighted. In the end, current challenges and future opportunities for further improvement of designs, performance, and applications of thermoelectric coolers are pointed out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yi Chen
- School of Mechanical and Ming Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Xiao-Lei Shi
- School of Mechanical and Ming Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Queensland, 4300, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
| | - Jin Zou
- School of Mechanical and Ming Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Zhi-Gang Chen
- School of Mechanical and Ming Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Queensland, 4300, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
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10
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Sun Q, Shi XL, Hong M, Yin Y, Xu SD, Chen J, Yang L, Zou J, Chen ZG. Achieving High-Performance Ge 0.92 Bi 0.08 Te Thermoelectrics via LaB 6 -Alloying-Induced Band Engineering and Multi-Scale Structure Manipulation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2105923. [PMID: 34854565 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202105923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a LaB6 -alloying strategy is reported to effectively boost the figure-of-merit (ZT) of Ge0.92 Bi0.08 Te-based alloys up to ≈2.2 at 723 K, attributed to a synergy of La-dopant induced band structuring and structural manipulation. Density-function-theory calculations reveal that La dopant enlarges the bandgap and converges the energy offset between the sub-valence bands in cubic-structured GeTe, leading to a significantly increased effective mass, which gives rise to a high Seebeck coefficient of ≈263 µV K-1 and in turn a superior power factor of ≈43 µW cm-1 K-2 at 723 K. Besides, comprehensive electron microscopy characterizations reveal that the multi-scale phonon scattering centers, including a high density of planar defects, Boron nanoparticles in tandem with enhanced boundaries, dispersive Ge nanoprecipitates in the matrix, and massive point defects, contribute to a low lattice thermal conductivity of ≈0.67 W m-1 K-1 at 723 K. Furthermore, a high microhardness of ≈194 Hv is witnessed in the as-designed Ge0.92 Bi0.08 Te(LaB6 )0.04 alloy, derived from the multi-defect-induced strengthening. This work provides a strategy for developing high-performance and mechanical robust middle-temperature thermoelectric materials for practical thermoelectric applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Sun
- School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Xiao-Lei Shi
- School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Brisbane, Queensland, 4300, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane City, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Min Hong
- Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Brisbane, Queensland, 4300, Australia
| | - Yu Yin
- School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Sheng-Duo Xu
- School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Jie Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Lei Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Jin Zou
- School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Zhi-Gang Chen
- School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Brisbane, Queensland, 4300, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane City, QLD, 4000, Australia
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11
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Jang H, Abbey S, Frimpong B, Nguyen CV, Ziolkowski P, Oppitz G, Kim M, Song JY, Shin HS, Jung YS, Oh MW. Comparative Study of Thermoelectric Properties of Sb 2Si 2Te 6 and Bi 2Si 2Te 6. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:1270-1279. [PMID: 34979804 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c23351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Charge carrier transport and corresponding thermoelectric properties are often affected by several parameters, necessitating a thorough comparative study for a profound understanding of the detailed conduction mechanism. Here, as a model system, we compare the electronic transport properties of two layered semiconductors, Sb2Si2Te6 and Bi2Si2Te6. Both materials have similar grain sizes and morphologies, yet their conduction characteristics are significantly different. We found that phase boundary scattering can be one of the main factors for Bi2Si2Te6 to experience significant charge carrier scattering, whereas Sb2Si2Te6 is relatively unaffected by the phenomenon. Furthermore, extensive point defect scattering in Sb2Si2Te6 significantly reduces its lattice thermal conductivity and results in high zT values across a broad temperature range. These findings provide novel insights into electron transport within these materials and should lead to strategies for further improving their thermoelectric performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhwi Jang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Stanley Abbey
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea
| | - Brakowaa Frimpong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea
| | - Chien Viet Nguyen
- Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Pawel Ziolkowski
- Institute of Materials Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne 51147, Germany
| | - Gregor Oppitz
- Institute of Materials Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne 51147, Germany
| | - Moohyun Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yong Song
- Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Sun Shin
- Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Sik Jung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Wook Oh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea
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12
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Zang Y, Di C, Geng Z, Yan X, Ji D, Zheng N, Jiang X, Fu H, Wang J, Guo W, Sun H, Han L, Zhou Y, Gu Z, Kong D, Aramberri H, Cazorla C, Íñiguez J, Rurali R, Chen L, Zhou J, Wu D, Lu M, Nie Y, Chen Y, Pan X. Giant Thermal Transport Tuning at a Metal/Ferroelectric Interface. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2105778. [PMID: 34676925 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202105778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Interfacial thermal transport plays a prominent role in the thermal management of nanoscale objects and is of fundamental importance for basic research and nanodevices. At metal/insulator interfaces, a configuration commonly found in electronic devices, heat transport strongly depends upon the effective energy transfer from thermalized electrons in the metal to the phonons in the insulator. However, the mechanism of interfacial electron-phonon coupling and thermal transport at metal/insulator interfaces is not well understood. Here, the observation of a substantial enhancement of the interfacial thermal resistance and the important role of surface charges at the metal/ferroelectric interface in an Al/BiFeO3 membrane are reported. By applying uniaxial strain, the interfacial thermal resistance can be varied substantially (up to an order of magnitude), which is attributed to the renormalized interfacial electron-phonon coupling caused by the charge redistribution at the interface due to the polarization rotation. These results imply that surface charges at a metal/insulator interface can substantially enhance the interfacial electron-phonon-mediated thermal coupling, providing a new route to optimize the thermal transport performance in next-generation nanodevices, power electronics, and thermal logic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Zang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Chen Di
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhiming Geng
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Xuejun Yan
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Dianxiang Ji
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Ningchong Zheng
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Hanyu Fu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Wei Guo
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Haoying Sun
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Lu Han
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yunlei Zhou
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhengbin Gu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Desheng Kong
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Hugo Aramberri
- Materials Research and Technology Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux 5, Esch/Alzette, L-4362, Luxembourg
| | - Claudio Cazorla
- Departament de Física, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Campus Nord B4-B5, Barcelona, E-08034, Spain
| | - Jorge Íñiguez
- Materials Research and Technology Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux 5, Esch/Alzette, L-4362, Luxembourg
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, 41 Rue du Brill, Belvaux, L-4422, Luxembourg
| | - Riccardo Rurali
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
| | - Longqing Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jian Zhou
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Di Wu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Minghui Lu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Department of Physics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuefeng Nie
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yanfeng Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, College of Engineering and Applied Science Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Xiaoqing Pan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Irvine, 916 Engineering Tower, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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13
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Liang G, Lyu T, Hu L, Qu W, Zhi S, Li J, Zhang Y, He J, Li J, Liu F, Zhang C, Ao W, Xie H, Wu H. (GeTe) 1-x(AgSnSe 2) x: Strong Atomic Disorder-Induced High Thermoelectric Performance near the Ioffe-Regel Limit. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:47081-47089. [PMID: 34565145 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c14801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In thermoelectrics, the material's performance stems from a delicate tradeoff between atomic order and disorder. Generally, dopants and thus atomic disorder are indispensable for optimizing the carrier concentration and scatter short-wavelength heat-carrying phonons. However, the strong disorder has been perceived as detrimental to the semiconductor's electrical conductivity owing to the deteriorated carrier mobility. Here, we report the sustainable role of strong atomic disorder in suppressing the detrimental phase transition and enhancing the thermoelectric performance in GeTe. We found that AgSnSe2 and Sb co-alloying eliminates the unfavorable phase transition due to the high configurational entropy and achieve the cubic Ge1-x-ySbyTe1-x(AgSnSe2)x solid solutions with cationic and anionic site disorder. Though AgSnSe2 substitution drives the carrier mean free path toward the Ioffe-Regel limit and minimizes the carrier mobility, the increased carrier concentration could render a decent electrical conductivity, affording enough phase room for further performance optimization. Given the lowermost carrier mean free path, further Sb alloying on Ge sites was implemented to progressively optimize the carrier concentration and enhance the density-of-state effective mass, thereby substantially enhancing the Seebeck coefficient. In addition, the high density of nanoscale strain clusters induced by strong atomic disorders significantly restrains the lattice thermal conductivity. As a result, a state-of-the-art zT ≈ 1.54 at 773 K was attained in cubic Ge0.58Sb0.22Te0.8(AgSnSe2)0.2. These results demonstrate that the strong atomic disorder at the high entropy scale is a previously underheeded but promising approach in thermoelectric material research, especially for the numerous low carrier mobility materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gege Liang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Tu Lyu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Lipeng Hu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Wanbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Shizhen Zhi
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jibiao Li
- Center for Materials and Energy (CME) and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Extraordinary Bond Engineering and Advanced Materials Technology (EBEAM), Yangtze Normal University, Chongqing 408100, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Instrumental Analysis Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634-0978, United States
| | - Junqin Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Fusheng Liu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Chaohua Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Weiqin Ao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Heping Xie
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Haijun Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
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14
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Zhang Y, Xu L, Liu GQ, Cai J, Yin Y, Shi F, Tan X, Jiang J. Dramatically enhanced Seebeck coefficient in GeMnTe 2-NaBiTe 2 alloys by tuning the Spin's thermodynamic entropy. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:17866-17872. [PMID: 34378579 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp02545g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The emerging material GeMnTe2 provides a rare example to study the spin degree of freedom in thermoelectric transport, as it exhibits an anomalous Seebeck coefficient driven by the spin's thermodynamic entropy. This work presents an unconventional strategy to optimize the thermoelectric performance of GeMnTe2 by manipulating the spin degree of freedom. NaBiTe2 is alloyed into GeMnTe2 to disorder the spin orientation under finite temperature, and the obtained Seebeck coefficient is confirmed to be dramatically enhanced by more than 150%. The measurements of XRD and magnetic susceptibility indicate that the increased Seebeck coefficient is due to the increase of the spin's thermodynamic entropy. Finally, the maximum ZT of 1.06 at 820 K is obtained in Ge0.8Na0.1Bi0.1MnTe2. This work enriches the physical picture of spin degree of freedom in thermoelectric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Science, Ningbo 315201, China.
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