articleNature CommunicationsSep 2, 2015GOLD OA

Realizing high figure of merit in heavy-band p-type half-Heusler thermoelectric materials

Zhejiang University · Chinese Academy of Sciences · +1 more institution

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Abstract

Solid-state thermoelectric technology offers a promising solution for converting waste heat to useful electrical power. Both high operating temperature and high figure of merit zT are desirable for high-efficiency thermoelectric power generation. Here we report a high zT of ∼1.5 at 1,200 K for the p-type FeNbSb heavy-band half-Heusler alloys. High content of heavier Hf dopant simultaneously optimizes the electrical power factor and suppresses thermal conductivity. Both the enhanced point-defect and electron-phonon scatterings contribute to a significant reduction in the lattice thermal conductivity. An eight couple prototype thermoelectric module exhibits a high conversion efficiency of 6.2% and a high power…

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Authors

7

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Materials science
  • Thermoelectric effect
  • Figure of merit
  • Thermoelectric materials
  • Thermal conductivity
  • Optoelectronics
  • Energy conversion efficiency
  • Engineering physics
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Affordable and clean energy
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