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Author Spotlight: Advancing Energy Solutions Using Nanocomposites as Processed Thermoelectric Materials
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Cooperative Nanostructuring and Resonant Density-of-States Engineering Enable High-Performance n-Type PbSe
Zhilong Zhao1, Qian Deng2, Xiaobo Tan1
1Key Laboratory of Radiation Physics and Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|April 17, 2026
Summary
This study engineers lead selenide (PbSe) for better thermoelectric performance by decoupling charge and heat transport. This strategy significantly enhances thermoelectric efficiency for low-grade heat harvesting applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Lead selenide (PbSe) is a promising mid-temperature thermoelectric material.
- Strong coupling between charge and phonon transport limits PbSe's efficiency.
- Low-grade heat harvesting requires efficient thermoelectric materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decouple electronic and phononic transport in n-type PbSe.
- To enhance the thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of PbSe.
- To improve low-grade heat harvesting capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Coordinated nano- and atomic-scale engineering.
- Integration of nanoscale metallic Pb layer with Ni interstitial doping and Br substitution.
- Advanced electron microscopy and first-principles calculations.
Main Results:
- Achieved a peak zT of ~1.7 at 873 K in Pb1.01Ni0.015Se0.998Br0.002.
- Demonstrated strong phonon scattering with preserved carrier mobility.
- Obtained a high average power factor of ~2.5 mW m-1 K-2.
- A thermoelectric device achieved ~7% conversion efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The developed strategy effectively decouples electronic and phononic transport in PbSe.
- This approach establishes a paradigm for optimizing thermoelectric materials.
- Enhanced PbSe offers significant potential for low-grade heat harvesting.
