Optimize the thermoelectric performance of CdO ceramics by doping Zn

The thermoelectric performance of CdO ceramics was enhanced by simultaneously optimizing the electrical and thermal transport properties via a small amount of Zn doping(≤3%). The introduction of Zn can obviously increase the electrical conductivity of CdO due to the simultaneous increase of carrier concentration and mobility, and eventually results in an improvement in power factor. Zn doping is also effective in suppressing the thermal conductivity of CdO because of stronger phonon scatterings from point defects, Zn-riched second phase, and grain boundaries. A best ZT of about 0.45 has been achieved in the Cd_(1-x)Zn_xO systems at about 1000 K, which is comparable to the highest values reported for other n-type oxide TE materials.     

Multinary diamond-like chalcogenides for promising thermoelectric application

Thermoelectric(TE)materials have been considered as a strong candidate for recovering the waste heat from industry and vehicles due to the ability to convert heat directly into electricity.Recently,multinary diamond-like chalcogenides(MDLCs),such as Cu In Te_2,Cu_2Sn Se_3,Cu_3Sb Se_4,Cu_2ZnSnSe_4,etc.,are eco-friendly Pb-free TE materials with relatively large Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity and have aroused intensive research as a popular theme in the TE field.In this review,we summarize the TE performance and device development of MDLCs.The features of crystalline and electronic structure are first analyzed,and then the strategies that have emerged to enhance the TE figure of merits of these materials are illustrated in detail.The final part of this review describes the advance in TE device research for MDLCs.In the outlook,the challenges and future directions are also discussed to promote the further development of MDLCs TE materials.