Optimizing Thermoelectric Properties through Compositional Engineering in Ag-Deficient AgSbTe2 Synthesized by Arc Melting

Thermoelectric materials offer a promising avenue for energy management, directly converting heat into electrical energy. Among them, AgSbTe2 has gained significant attention and continues to be a subject of research at further improving its thermoelectric performance and expanding its practical app...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Prado-Gonjal, Jesús, García-Calvo, Elena, Gainza, Javier, Durá, Oscar J, Dejoie, Catherine, Nemes, Norbert M, Doménech, José Luis, Alonso, José Antonio, Serrano-Sánchez, Federico
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/396009
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/396009
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85187117482
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:AgSbTe2
Arc-melting
Atomic displacement parameters
Compositional engineering
Synchrotron X-ray diffraction
Thermoelectric properties
Thermoelectrics
Vacancy
Descripción
Sumario:Thermoelectric materials offer a promising avenue for energy management, directly converting heat into electrical energy. Among them, AgSbTe2 has gained significant attention and continues to be a subject of research at further improving its thermoelectric performance and expanding its practical applications. This study focuses on Ag-deficient Ag0.7Sb1.12Te2 and Ag0.7Sb1.12Te1.95Se0.05 materials, examining the impact of compositional engineering within the AgSbTe2 thermoelectric system. These materials have been rapidly synthesized using an arc-melting technique, resulting in the production of dense nanostructured pellets. Detailed analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals the presence of a layered nanostructure, which significantly influences the thermoelectric properties of these materials. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction reveals significant changes in the lattice parameters and atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) that suggest a weakening of bond order in the structure. The thermoelectric characterization highlights the enhanced power factor of Ag-deficient materials that, combined with the low glass-like thermal conductivity, results in a significant improvement in the figure of merit, achieving zT values of 1.25 in Ag0.7Sb1.12Te2 and 1.01 in Ag0.7Sb1.12Te1.95Se0.05 at 750 K.