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Microstructure Manipulation Achieves Superior Efficiency of GeTe-Based Thermoelectric Modules.
Qianqian Sun1,2, Kaiyi Chen1, Xiaojian Tan1,2
1Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 21, 2025
Summary
Researchers enhanced germanium telluride (GeTe) for stable power generation by engineering its microstructure. This boosts thermoelectric performance and mechanical hardness, paving the way for efficient thermoelectric devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Germanium telluride (GeTe) exhibits promising thermoelectric properties at high temperatures.
- However, its low-symmetry structure and phase transition near room temperature limit its application stability.
- Existing GeTe materials face challenges in balancing thermoelectric efficiency with mechanical durability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve the thermoelectric properties and mechanical hardness of GeTe.
- To enhance the service stability of GeTe for power generation applications.
- To explore microstructure manipulation and phase transition engineering as strategies for GeTe optimization.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of Cr, Pb, and Sb into the GeTe lattice to modulate phase transition.
- Microstructure manipulation to refine structures and introduce defects.
- Characterization of thermoelectric properties (zT), mechanical hardness (Vickers hardness), and phase fraction.
Main Results:
- Increased cubic phase fraction from 49% to 73% at 300 K.
- Achieved a peak thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of 2.1 at 700 K and an average zT of 1.5 (300-773 K).
- Enhanced Vickers hardness to 1.88 GPa and demonstrated a 9.7% module efficiency with n-type PbTe.
Conclusions:
- Microstructure manipulation and phase transition engineering effectively improve GeTe's thermoelectric performance and mechanical stability.
- The modified GeTe shows significant potential for efficient thermoelectric power generation.
- This approach offers a viable strategy for developing advanced thermoelectric materials.
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