Enhancement of thermoelectric properties in nanocrystalline M-Si thin film composites (MÂ =Â Cr, Mn)

► Nanocrystalline M-Si (M = Cr, Mn) compounds are prepared by annealing of amorphous films. ► The nanocrystalline state of Cr-Si compounds is stable below 1000 K. ► Thermopower in nanocrystalline state is enhanced due to energy-depended scattering of charge carriers on nano-grain interfaces. ► Nanocrystalline M-Si compounds have enhanced thermoelectric efficiency.