Crystal symmetry modification enables high-ranged in-plane thermoelectric performance in n-type SnSe crystals
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 c...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Nature Communications |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57125-w |
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| Summary: | 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. |
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| ISSN: | 2041-1723 |