Electrode interface optimization advances conversion efficiency and stability of thermoelectric devices

Jing Chu, Jian Huang, Ruiheng Liu (), Jincheng Liao, Xugui Xia, Qihao Zhang, Chao Wang, Ming Gu, Shengqiang Bai (), Xun Shi and Lidong Chen
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Jing Chu: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jian Huang: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ruiheng Liu: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jincheng Liao: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xugui Xia: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Qihao Zhang: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chao Wang: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ming Gu: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shengqiang Bai: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xun Shi: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Lidong Chen: State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Although the CoSb3-based skutterudite thermoelectric devices have been highly expected for wide uses such as waste heat recovery and space power supply, the limited long-term service stability majorly determined by the degradation of electrode interface obstructs its applications. Here, we built up an effective criterion for screening barrier layer based on the combination of negative interfacial reaction energy and high activation energy barrier of Sb migration through the formed interfacial reaction layer. Accordingly, we predicted niobium as a promising barrier layer. The experimental results show the skutterudite/Nb joint has the slowest interfacial reaction layer growth rate and smallest interfacial electrical resistivity. The fabricated 8-pair skutterudite module using Nb as barrier layer achieves a recorded conversion efficiency of 10.2% at hot-side temperature of 872 K and shows excellent stability during long-time aging. This simple criterion provides an effective guidance on screening barrier layer with bonding-blocking-conducting synergetic functions for thermoelectric device integration.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16508-x

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