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Optimized Strategies for Advancing n-Type PbTe Thermoelectrics: A Review
Yan Zhong1, Jing Tang2, Hangtian Liu1
1Key Laboratory of Radiation Physics and Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|October 26, 2020
Summary
Advancing n-type lead telluride (PbTe) thermoelectric materials is crucial for efficient energy conversion. This review summarizes strategies like dynamic doping and dislocation engineering to improve n-type PbTe performance, aiming for parity with p-type PbTe.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Energy Conversion
Background:
- Thermoelectric devices require efficient p-type and n-type semiconductor materials.
- Significant advancements have been made in p-type lead telluride (PbTe), but n-type PbTe lags behind.
- This performance gap necessitates focused research on improving n-type PbTe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize current strategies for enhancing the thermoelectric performance of n-type PbTe.
- To discuss newly developed concepts and their potential impact on n-type PbTe.
- To provide an outlook for future advancements in n-type PbTe thermoelectric materials.
Main Methods:
- Effective mass engineering
- Exploitation of resonance states
- Point defect and nanostructure manipulation
- Dynamic doping for carrier concentration control
- Dislocation engineering for thermal conductivity reduction
Main Results:
- Various strategies have been explored to improve n-type PbTe performance.
- Synergistic effects of combined strategies show promise for further enhancement.
- The discussed approaches aim to bridge the performance gap with p-type PbTe.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive review of strategies for n-type PbTe thermoelectric materials is presented.
- Dynamic doping and dislocation engineering are highlighted as promising new concepts.
- The discussed strategies are expected to accelerate the development of high-performance n-type PbTe and other thermoelectric materials.
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