Enhanced thermoelectric performance in p-type AgSbSe2 by Cd-doping

Abstract

Thermoelectric materials can directly convert waste heat into electrical energy and will play a significant role in future energy management. Herein, we have achieved improved thermoelectric performance in p-type Te-free AgSb_1−xCd_xSe₂ (x = 0.02–0.06) system. Simple doping of Cd²⁺ in the Sb³⁺ sublattice increases the carrier concentration, resulting in enhanced electrical conductivity in AgSb_1−xCd_xSe₂ compared to the pristine AgSbSe₂. Improved electrical transport and ultra low thermal conductivity give rise to a high thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT, of ∼1 at ∼640 K in AgSb_0.98Cd_0.02Se₂, which is similar to the traditional market based expensive and scarce metal tellurides.