Low-Cost Magnesium-Based Thermoelectric Materials: Progress, Challenges, and Enhancements.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Physics
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Magnesium-based thermoelectric (TE) materials are attractive due to high ZT values, low cost, availability, nontoxicity, and low density.
• These materials offer significant potential for efficient and sustainable energy conversion applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of advances and strategies for developing Mg-based TE materials.
• To address the challenges hindering the long-term stability and application of Mg-based TE modules under severe working conditions.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing strategies for enhancing material performance, mechanical strength (grain refining, second phases), and chemical stability (coatings, microstructural modification).
• Examining methodologies to improve contact design and materials for reliable TE module performance.

Main Results:

• Identified key challenges including lack of mechanical strength, chemical instability, and unreliable contacts under high temperature and thermal cycling.
• Highlighted successful strategies for improving material properties and module reliability.

Conclusions:

• Mg-based TE materials show promise but require overcoming significant challenges for practical application.
• Future research should focus on enhancing mechanical and chemical stability, and optimizing contact interfaces for robust TE modules.