Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Synthetic Tetrahedrites

Abstract

Electrical and thermal transport properties of synthetic tetrahedrites Cu₁₀TM₂Sb₄S₁₃ (TM = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) and the solid solution Cu_{12–<i>x</i>}Mn_<i>x</i>Sb₄S₁₃ (0 ≤ <i>x</i> ≤ 2) have been studied in the context of thermoelectric performance. Among these materials, the parent compound Cu₁₂Sb₄S₁₃ exhibits the highest power factor, which is primarily derived from a high electrical conductivity. All substituted derivatives display a significant and uniform reduction in thermal conductivity. Within the TM series, the Mn-substituted sample displays the highest ZT (0.8 at 575 K). Changing the Mn concentration to Cu₁₁MnSb₄S₁₃ produces the highest ZT, i.e., 1.13 at 575 K. The relatively high value derives from a favorable balance of low thermal conductivity and a relatively high power factor