Interface kinetic manipulation enabling efficient and reliable Mg3Sb2 thermoelectrics

Yuntian Fu, Xin Ai, Zhongliang Hu, Shuhan Zhao, Xiaofang Lu, Jian Huang (), Aibin Huang, Lianjun Wang (), Qihao Zhang () and Wan Jiang ()
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Yuntian Fu: Donghua University
Xin Ai: Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden e.V. (IFW-Dresden)
Zhongliang Hu: Donghua University
Shuhan Zhao: The University of Sydney
Xiaofang Lu: Donghua University
Jian Huang: Shanghai University
Aibin Huang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Lianjun Wang: Donghua University
Qihao Zhang: Light Technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Wan Jiang: Donghua University

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

Abstract: Abstract Development of efficient and reliable thermoelectric generators is vital for the sustainable utilization of energy, yet interfacial losses and failures between the thermoelectric materials and the electrodes pose a significant obstacle. Existing approaches typically rely on thermodynamic equilibrium to obtain effective interfacial barrier layers, which underestimates the critical factors of interfacial reaction and diffusion kinetics. Here, we develop a desirable barrier layer by leveraging the distinct chemical reaction activities and diffusion behaviors during sintering and operation. Titanium foil is identified as a suitable barrier layer for Mg3Sb2-based thermoelectric materials due to the creation of a highly reactive ternary MgTiSb metastable phase during sintering, which then transforms to stable binary Ti-Sb alloys during operation. Additionally, titanium foil is advantageous due to its dense structure, affordability, and ease of manufacturing. The interfacial contact resistivity reaches below 5 μΩ·cm2, resulting in a Mg3Sb2-based module efficiency of up to 11% at a temperature difference of 440 K, which exceeds that of most state-of-the-art medium-temperature thermoelectric modules. Furthermore, the robust Ti foil/Mg3(Sb,Bi)2 joints endow Mg3Sb2-based single-legs as well as modules with negligible degradation over long-term thermal cycles, thereby paving the way for efficient and sustainable waste heat recovery applications.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53598-3

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