Ultralow lattice thermal conductivity and enhanced power generation efficiency realized in Bi2Te2.7Se0.3/Bi2S3 nanocomposites

Abstract The decrease in lattice thermal conductivity is one of the most effective methods for enhancing thermoelectric properties. Achieving lattice thermal conductivity close to the theoretical limit is extremely difficult while maintaining an impressive power factor. By introducing ultrafine bismuth sulfide nanograins, strong phonon scattering was generated by associated multiscale lattice defects to further gain a low lattice thermal conductivity of 0.244 W/m/K approaching Clarke's limitation of 0.242 W/m/K. Simultaneously, the electrical conductivity was increased by S diffusion and suppression of the antisite defects, and a high power factor was maintained to produce an improved ZT peak of 1.2 at 473 K for the Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 + 1 wt% Bi2S3 #2 sample. This sample was used to fabricate a small device with a p-leg, and the direct conversion efficiency reached 4.39%. Inverse changes in hardness and Young's modulus in conjunction with Bi2S3 content are first reported in thermoelectric materials, which has potential assistance in synchronously improving their mechanical and thermoelectric properties.