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Zhang Z, Gurtaran M, Dong H. Low-Cost Magnesium-Based Thermoelectric Materials: Progress, Challenges, and Enhancements. ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS 2024; 7:5629-5646. [PMID: 39055066 PMCID: PMC11267501 DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.4c00961] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Magnesium-based thermoelectric (TE) materials have attracted considerable interest due to their high ZT values, coupled with their low cost, widespread availability, nontoxicity, and low density. In this review, we provide a succinct overview of the advances and strategies pertaining to the development of Mg-based materials aimed at enhancing their performance. Following this, we delve into the major challenges posed by the severe working conditions, such as high temperature and thermal cycling, which adversely impact the behavior and long-term stability of the TE modules. Challenges include issues like the lack of mechanical strength, chemical instability, and unreliable contact. Subsequently, we focus on the key methodologies aimed at addressing these challenges to facilitate the broader application of the TE modules. These include boosting the mechanical strength, especially the toughness, through grain refining and additions of second phases. Furthermore, strategies targeted at enhancing the chemical stability through coatings and modifying the microstructure, as well as improving the contact design and materials, are discussed. In the end, we highlight the perspectives for boosting the practical applications of Mg-based TE materials in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxue Zhang
- School of Metallurgy and
Materials, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Mikdat Gurtaran
- School of Metallurgy and
Materials, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Hanshan Dong
- School of Metallurgy and
Materials, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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Justl AP, Kauzlarich SM. Probing High-Temperature Oxidation of Thermoelectric Phases Yb 14MSb 11 ( M = Mg, Mn, Zn). ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:47246-47254. [PMID: 36217847 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c13093] [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
Yb14MSb11 (M = Mg, Mn, Zn) are p-type Zintl phases with high thermoelectric efficiencies at 1000 °C and melting points above 1200 °C under vacuum and/or inert atmosphere. In a thermoelectric generator, even within a vacuum jacket, small amounts of oxygen may be present, and therefore, elucidating chemical reactions in the presence of air or oxygen provides a framework for engineering design. The oxidation of Yb14MSb11 was investigated from room temperature to 1000 °C in dry air with thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC) on small pellets and visually after heat treatment to 1000 °C under ambient conditions on large pellets. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and powder X-ray diffraction provide identification of the oxidation products. In the presence of dry air, Yb14MSb11 initially oxidizes initially slowly at room temperature with a sweeping exotherm and weight gain with rapid oxidation at 400 °C, after which the exotherm signal plateaus at about 600 °C, with M = Zn showing the smallest overall exothermic curve. All samples showed a paired endo-/exotherm at 785-803 °C, consistent with the melting/solidification of YbSb2, which in the case of M = Mg, Mn extrudes from the sample. The various sections of the pellets─outer layer, inner layer, and core are analyzed, and oxidation reactions are proposed. After cycling to 1000 °C, the outer layer is composed of Yb2O3 with small amounts of the corresponding metal oxides. The inner layer shows delamination by inward diffusion of oxygen and outward diffusion of Sb or Sb oxide-containing phases, and the core shows Yb14MSb11. Yb14ZnSb11 shows the best resistance to oxidation and may provide a promising material for further passivation optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Justl
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California95616, United States
| | - Susan M Kauzlarich
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California95616, United States
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Camut J, Ayachi S, Castillo-Hernández G, Park S, Ryu B, Park S, Frank A, Stiewe C, Müller E, de Boor J. Overcoming Asymmetric Contact Resistances in Al-Contacted Mg 2(Si,Sn) Thermoelectric Legs. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:6774. [PMID: 34832174 PMCID: PMC8623178 DOI: 10.3390/ma14226774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thermoelectric generators are a reliable and environmentally friendly source of electrical energy. A crucial step for their development is the maximization of their efficiency. The efficiency of a TEG is inversely related to its electrical contact resistance, which it is therefore essential to minimize. In this paper, we investigate the contacting of an Al electrode on Mg2(Si,Sn) thermoelectric material and find that samples can show highly asymmetric electrical contact resistivities on both sides of a leg (e.g., 10 µΩ·cm2 and 200 µΩ·cm2). Differential contacting experiments allow one to identify the oxide layer on the Al foil as well as the dicing of the pellets into legs are identified as the main origins of this behavior. In order to avoid any oxidation of the foil, a thin layer of Zn is sputtered after etching the Al surface; this method proves itself effective in keeping the contact resistivities of both interfaces equally low (<10 µΩ·cm2) after dicing. A slight gradient is observed in the n-type leg's Seebeck coefficient after the contacting with the Zn-coated electrode and the role of Zn in this change is confirmed by comparing the experimental results to hybrid-density functional calculations of Zn point defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Camut
- Institute of Materials Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), D–51170 Cologne, Germany; (S.A.); (G.C.-H.); (A.F.); (C.S.); (E.M.)
| | - Sahar Ayachi
- Institute of Materials Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), D–51170 Cologne, Germany; (S.A.); (G.C.-H.); (A.F.); (C.S.); (E.M.)
| | - Gustavo Castillo-Hernández
- Institute of Materials Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), D–51170 Cologne, Germany; (S.A.); (G.C.-H.); (A.F.); (C.S.); (E.M.)
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University, D–35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sungjin Park
- Energy Conversion Research Center, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI), 12, Jeongiui-gil, Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si 51543, Gyengsangnam-do, Korea; (S.P.); (B.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Byungki Ryu
- Energy Conversion Research Center, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI), 12, Jeongiui-gil, Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si 51543, Gyengsangnam-do, Korea; (S.P.); (B.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Sudong Park
- Energy Conversion Research Center, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI), 12, Jeongiui-gil, Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si 51543, Gyengsangnam-do, Korea; (S.P.); (B.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Adina Frank
- Institute of Materials Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), D–51170 Cologne, Germany; (S.A.); (G.C.-H.); (A.F.); (C.S.); (E.M.)
- Center for Materials Research/LaMa, Justus Liebig University, D–35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Christian Stiewe
- Institute of Materials Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), D–51170 Cologne, Germany; (S.A.); (G.C.-H.); (A.F.); (C.S.); (E.M.)
| | - Eckhard Müller
- Institute of Materials Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), D–51170 Cologne, Germany; (S.A.); (G.C.-H.); (A.F.); (C.S.); (E.M.)
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University, D–35392 Giessen, Germany
- Center for Materials Research/LaMa, Justus Liebig University, D–35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Johannes de Boor
- Institute of Materials Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), D–51170 Cologne, Germany; (S.A.); (G.C.-H.); (A.F.); (C.S.); (E.M.)
- Institute of Technology for Nanostructures (NST), Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, D–47057 Duisburg, Germany
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Shi XL, Zou J, Chen ZG. Advanced Thermoelectric Design: From Materials and Structures to Devices. Chem Rev 2020; 120:7399-7515. [PMID: 32614171 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The long-standing popularity of thermoelectric materials has contributed to the creation of various thermoelectric devices and stimulated the development of strategies to improve their thermoelectric performance. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarize the state-of-the-art strategies for the realization of high-performance thermoelectric materials and devices by establishing the links between synthesis, structural characteristics, properties, underlying chemistry and physics, including structural design (point defects, dislocations, interfaces, inclusions, and pores), multidimensional design (quantum dots/wires, nanoparticles, nanowires, nano- or microbelts, few-layered nanosheets, nano- or microplates, thin films, single crystals, and polycrystalline bulks), and advanced device design (thermoelectric modules, miniature generators and coolers, and flexible thermoelectric generators). The outline of each strategy starts with a concise presentation of their fundamentals and carefully selected examples. In the end, we point out the controversies, challenges, and outlooks toward the future development of thermoelectric materials and devices. Overall, this review will serve to help materials scientists, chemists, and physicists, particularly students and young researchers, in selecting suitable strategies for the improvement of thermoelectrics and potentially other relevant energy conversion technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lei Shi
- Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Queensland 4300, Australia.,School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jin Zou
- School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Zhi-Gang Chen
- Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Queensland 4300, Australia.,School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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