Enhanced thermoelectric performance in n-type Bi2Te2.994Cl0.006/In2Te3 composite

In the present study, we prepared n-type Bi2Te2.994Cl0.006/x wt.% In2Te3 samples by zone melting method and investigated their thermoelectric (TE) performance. The power factor (S2σ) was increased and the lattice thermal conductivity (κL) was decreased simultaneously, mainly due to the introduction of the nano-lamellar-like In-rich phase in the BiTeCl matrix. As a result, a peak ZT value of 0.94 was obtained, which was 20% higher than that of the matrix.

► n-Type Bi2Te3-based TE materials with different In2Te3 contents are zone melted.
► The peak ZT value is about 20% higher than that of the matrix.
► The relationship between the TE performance and microstructure is investigated.