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Electrode interface optimization advances conversion efficiency and stability of thermoelectric devices

Author

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  • Jing Chu

    (State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jian Huang

    (State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ruiheng Liu

    (State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jincheng Liao

    (State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xugui Xia

    (State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Qihao Zhang

    (State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Chao Wang

    (State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ming Gu

    (State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Shengqiang Bai

    (State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xun Shi

    (State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Lidong Chen

    (State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Although the CoSb3-based skutterudite thermoelectric devices have been highly expected for wide uses such as waste heat recovery and space power supply, the limited long-term service stability majorly determined by the degradation of electrode interface obstructs its applications. Here, we built up an effective criterion for screening barrier layer based on the combination of negative interfacial reaction energy and high activation energy barrier of Sb migration through the formed interfacial reaction layer. Accordingly, we predicted niobium as a promising barrier layer. The experimental results show the skutterudite/Nb joint has the slowest interfacial reaction layer growth rate and smallest interfacial electrical resistivity. The fabricated 8-pair skutterudite module using Nb as barrier layer achieves a recorded conversion efficiency of 10.2% at hot-side temperature of 872 K and shows excellent stability during long-time aging. This simple criterion provides an effective guidance on screening barrier layer with bonding-blocking-conducting synergetic functions for thermoelectric device integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Jing Chu & Jian Huang & Ruiheng Liu & Jincheng Liao & Xugui Xia & Qihao Zhang & Chao Wang & Ming Gu & Shengqiang Bai & Xun Shi & Lidong Chen, 2020. "Electrode interface optimization advances conversion efficiency and stability of thermoelectric devices," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-16508-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16508-x
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    Cited by:

    1. Ruiheng Liu & Yunfei Xing & Jincheng Liao & Xugui Xia & Chao Wang & Chenxi Zhu & Fangfang Xu & Zhi-Gang Chen & Lidong Chen & Jian Huang & Shengqiang Bai, 2022. "Thermal-inert and ohmic-contact interface for high performance half-Heusler based thermoelectric generator," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
    2. Peng Li & Pengfei Qiu & Qing Xu & Jun Luo & Yifei Xiong & Jie Xiao & Niraj Aryal & Qiang Li & Lidong Chen & Xun Shi, 2022. "Colossal Nernst power factor in topological semimetal NbSb2," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
    3. Li Yin & Xiaofang Li & Xin Bao & Jinxuan Cheng & Chen Chen & Zongwei Zhang & Xingjun Liu & Feng Cao & Jun Mao & Qian Zhang, 2024. "CALPHAD accelerated design of advanced full-Zintl thermoelectric device," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    4. Kim, Seonggon & Ko, Yunmo & Lee, Geun Jeong & Lee, Jae Won & Xu, Ronghuan & Ahn, Hyungseop & Kang, Yong Tae, 2023. "Sustainable energy harvesting from post-combustion CO2 capture using amine-functionalized solvents," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 267(C).
    5. Jing, Hang & Xiang, Qingpei & Ze, Rende & Chen, Xiaoxi & Li, Jing & Liao, Jincheng & Bai, Shengqiang, 2023. "A skutterudite thermoelectric module with high aspect ratio applied to milliwatt radioisotope thermoelectric generator," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 350(C).

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