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

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Physics
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Thermoelectric materials convert heat to electricity, crucial for energy management.
• Silver antimony telluride (AgSbTe2) is a key thermoelectric material with ongoing research for performance enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the effect of compositional engineering on AgSbTe2 thermoelectric properties.
• Explore Ag-deficient Ag0.7Sb1.12Te2 and Ag0.7Sb1.12Te1.95Se0.05 compositions.
• Optimize thermoelectric performance for practical applications.

Main Methods:

• Rapid synthesis using arc-melting technique.
• Production of dense nanostructured pellets.
• Characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and synchrotron X-ray diffraction.

Main Results:

• Layered nanostructure observed, influencing thermoelectric properties.
• Changes in lattice parameters and atomic displacement parameters indicate weakened bond order.
• Enhanced power factor and low thermal conductivity achieved.

Conclusions:

• Ag-deficient AgSbTe2 and its Se-doped variant exhibit significantly improved thermoelectric figure of merit (zT).
• Achieved zT values of 1.25 and 1.01 at 750 K for Ag0.7Sb1.12Te2 and Ag0.7Sb1.12Te1.95Se0.05, respectively.
• Compositional engineering is effective in enhancing thermoelectric performance.