Indexed by:
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., Pb1.005-xCu2x+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 Pb0.985Cu0.043Te. 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. © 2025
Keyword:
Reprint 's Address:
Email:
Source :
Journal of Materials Science and Technology
ISSN: 1005-0302
Year: 2025
Volume: 236
Page: 86-94
1 1 . 2 0 0
JCR@2023
CAS Journal Grade:1
Cited Count:
SCOPUS Cited Count:
ESI Highly Cited Papers on the List: 0 Unfold All
WanFang Cited Count:
Chinese Cited Count:
30 Days PV: 0
Affiliated Colleges: