Realizing high-performance thermoelectric power generation through grain boundary engineering of skutterudite-based nanocomposites

A thermoelectric conversion efficiency of 9.3% is realized in skutterudite-based thermoelectric power generation module via grain boundary engineering. By using both Yb2O3 nanoprecipitates and carbon nanotubes to decorate grain boundaries, we achieve a maximum zT of 1.4 at 875 K and a device ZT of approximately 1.0 in Yb-filled CoSb3-based nanocomposites, which demonstrates the realistic prospect of large-scale thermoelectric power generation using skutterudite-based nanocomposites.227