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High-performance Mg3Sb2-based thermoelectrics with reduced structural disorder and microstructure evolution

Author

Listed:
  • Longquan Wang

    (National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
    University of Tsukuba)

  • Wenhao Zhang

    (National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS))

  • Song Yi Back

    (National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS))

  • Naoyuki Kawamoto

    (National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS))

  • Duy Hieu Nguyen

    (National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS))

  • Takao Mori

    (National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
    University of Tsukuba)

Abstract

Mg3Sb2-based thermoelectrics show great promise for next-generation thermoelectric power generators and coolers owing to their excellent figure of merit (zT) and earth-abundant composition elements. However, the complexity of the defect microstructure hinders the advancement of high performance. Here, the defect microstructure is modified via In doping and prolonged sintering time to realize the reduced structural disorder and microstructural evolution, synergistically optimizing electron and phonon transport via a delocalization effect. As a result, an excellent carrier mobility of ~174 cm2 V−1 s−1 and an ultralow $${\kappa}_{{lat}}$$ κ l a t of ~0.42 W m−1 K−1 are realized in this system, leading to an ultrahigh zT of ~2.0 at 723 K. The corresponding single-leg module demonstrates a high conversion efficiency of ~12.6% with a 425 K temperature difference, and the two-pair module of Mg3Sb2/MgAgSb displays ~7.1% conversion efficiency with a 276 K temperature difference. This work paves a pathway to improve the thermoelectric performance of Mg3Sb2-based materials, and represents a significant step forward for the practical application of Mg3Sb2-based devices.

Suggested Citation

  • Longquan Wang & Wenhao Zhang & Song Yi Back & Naoyuki Kawamoto & Duy Hieu Nguyen & Takao Mori, 2024. "High-performance Mg3Sb2-based thermoelectrics with reduced structural disorder and microstructure evolution," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-51120-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51120-3
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    1. Airan Li & Longquan Wang & Jiankang Li & Xinzhi Wu & Takao Mori, 2025. "Self-optimized contact in air-robust thermoelectric junction towards long-lasting heat harvesting," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.

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