Ultra-high thermoelectric performance in ternary n-type PbTe collaboratively enabled by self-optimized carrier concentration and ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity

doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2025.02.047

Abstract

Abstract: The relatively lower performance of n-type legs has significantly hindered the application of PbTe materials in medium-temperature thermoelectric (TE) power generation, underscoring the urgent need to enhance the TE performance of n-type PbTe. In this study, electron-phonon decoupling was achieved through the precise manipulation of a single copper-doping element in PbTe (i.e., Pb_1.005-_xCu₂_x_+0.003Te), enabling the concurrent optimization of phonon transport and electrical properties. High-content Cu doping induced substantial lattice strain and abundant precipitates, which effectively scattered heat-carrying phonons and significantly reduced lattice thermal conductivity. Simultaneously, the retention of high mobility and the self-regulation of electron concentration improved electrical performance across a broad temperature range. As a result, an impressive average zT of 1.3 was achieved from 523 to 823 K in n-type Pb_0.985Cu_0.043Te. Building on this, a seven-pair TE module was fabricated, attaining an energy conversion efficiency of ∼8 % under a temperature difference of 420 K. This work provides fresh insights into strategies for enhancing the TE performance of n-type PbTe.

Key words: Thermoelectric, N-type pbte, Electron-phonon decoupling, Power generation

Qian Deng, Xiaobo Tan, Jiansen Wen, Ruiheng Li, Jiaxing Luo, Yin Xie,Zhilong Zhao, Baisheng Sa,Ran Ang. Ultra-high thermoelectric performance in ternary n-type PbTe collaboratively enabled by self-optimized carrier concentration and ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity[J]. J. Mater. Sci. Technol., 2025, 236: 86-94.

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