Enhanced thermoelectric performance of polycrystalline SnSe by compositing with layered Ti3C2Tx

Thermoelectric materials convert thermal energy into electricity directly. Constructing nanostructured composite architectures can be an effective strategy to develop thermoelectric performance. SnSe/Ti3C2 composite materials were synthesized through the electrostatic self-assembly method followed by spark plasma sintering. The interfaces introduced by Ti3C2 can scatter carriers effectively, thus increasing the Seebeck coefficients (S), finally, a high absolute S value of ~ 296.2 µV K−1 was obtained at 773 K. At the same time, the high-density interfaces of SnSe/Ti3C2 composites enhance the phonon scattering, a low lattice thermal conductivity klat of 0.54 W m−1 K−1 was obtained. Benefit from the elevated Seebeck coefficient and decreased thermal conductivity, a ZT of 0.1 was obtained at 773 K along the pressing direction, compared with the pure SnSe, the thermoelectric performance improved by 68%. This research will provide a new way for the development of the thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline SnSe.