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Crystal symmetry modification enables high-ranged in-plane thermoelectric performance in n-type SnSe crystals

Author

Listed:
  • Haonan Shi

    (Beihang University
    Beihang University
    Beihang University)

  • Yi Wen

    (Beihang University)

  • Shulin Bai

    (Beihang University)

  • Cheng Chang

    (Beihang University)

  • Lizhong Su

    (Taiyuan University of Science and Technology)

  • Tian Gao

    (Beihang University)

  • Shibo Liu

    (Beihang University)

  • Dongrui Liu

    (Beihang University)

  • Bingchao Qin

    (Beihang University)

  • Yongxin Qin

    (Beihang University)

  • Huiqiang Liang

    (Hebei University)

  • Xin Qian

    (Hebei University)

  • Zhenghao Hou

    (Shijiazhuang University)

  • Xiang Gao

    (Center for High-Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research (HPSTAR))

  • Tianhang Zhou

    (China University of Petroleum (Beijing))

  • Qing Tan

    (Beihang University)

  • Li-Dong Zhao

    (Beihang University
    Beihang University
    Beihang University)

Abstract

SnSe crystal has witnessed significant advancements as a promising thermoelectric material over the past decade. Its in-plane direction shows robust mechanical strength for practical thermoelectric applications. Herein, we optimize the in-plane thermoelectric performance of n-type SnSe by crystal symmetry modification. In particular, we find that Te and Mo alloying continuously enhances the crystal symmetry, thereby increasing the carrier mobility to ~ 422 cm2 V−1 s−1. Simultaneously, the conduction bands converge with the symmetry modification, further improving the electrical transport. Additionally, the lattice thermal conductivity is limited to ~ 1.1 W m−1 K−1 due to the softness of both acoustic and optical branches. Consequently, we achieve a power factor of ~ 28 μW cm−1 K−2 and ZT of ~ 0.6 in n-type SnSe at 300 K. The average ZT reaches ~ 0.89 at 300−723 K. The single-leg device based on the obtained n-type SnSe shows a remarkable efficiency of ~ 5.3% under the ΔT of ~ 300 K, which is the highest reported in n-type SnSe. This work demonstrates the substantial potential of SnSe for practical applications of power generation and waste heat recovery.

Suggested Citation

  • Haonan Shi & Yi Wen & Shulin Bai & Cheng Chang & Lizhong Su & Tian Gao & Shibo Liu & Dongrui Liu & Bingchao Qin & Yongxin Qin & Huiqiang Liang & Xin Qian & Zhenghao Hou & Xiang Gao & Tianhang Zhou & Q, 2025. "Crystal symmetry modification enables high-ranged in-plane thermoelectric performance in n-type SnSe crystals," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57125-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57125-w
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