Flexible power generators by Ag2Se thin films with record-high thermoelectric performance

Dong Yang, Xiao-Lei Shi, Meng Li, Mohammad Nisar, Adil Mansoor, Shuo Chen, Yuexing Chen, Fu Li, Hongli Ma, Guang Xing Liang, Xianghua Zhang, Weidi Liu, Ping Fan, Zhuanghao Zheng () and Zhi-Gang Chen ()
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Dong Yang: Shenzhen University, Shenzhen
Xiao-Lei Shi: Queensland University of Technology
Meng Li: Queensland University of Technology
Mohammad Nisar: Shenzhen University, Shenzhen
Adil Mansoor: Shenzhen University, Shenzhen
Shuo Chen: Shenzhen University, Shenzhen
Yuexing Chen: Shenzhen University, Shenzhen
Fu Li: Shenzhen University, Shenzhen
Hongli Ma: Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Istitut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes) UMR 6226
Guang Xing Liang: Shenzhen University, Shenzhen
Xianghua Zhang: Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Istitut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes) UMR 6226
Weidi Liu: Queensland University of Technology
Ping Fan: Shenzhen University, Shenzhen
Zhuanghao Zheng: Shenzhen University, Shenzhen
Zhi-Gang Chen: Queensland University of Technology

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Exploring new near-room-temperature thermoelectric materials is significant for replacing current high-cost Bi2Te3. This study highlights the potential of Ag2Se for wearable thermoelectric electronics, addressing the trade-off between performance and flexibility. A record-high ZT of 1.27 at 363 K is achieved in Ag2Se-based thin films with 3.2 at.% Te doping on Se sites, realized by a new concept of doping-induced orientation engineering. We reveal that Te-doping enhances film uniformity and (00l)-orientation and in turn carrier mobility by reducing the (00l) formation energy, confirmed by solid computational and experimental evidence. The doping simultaneously widens the bandgap, resulting in improved Seebeck coefficients and high power factors, and introduces TeSe point defects to effectively reduce the lattice thermal conductivity. A protective organic-polymer-based composite layer enhances film flexibility, and a rationally designed flexible thermoelectric device achieves an output power density of 1.5 mW cm−2 for wearable power generation under a 20 K temperature difference.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45092-7

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