Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric materials have achieved remarkable advancements in optimizing their figure of merit (ZT) through nanostructuring and doping strategies. Recent studies have demonstrated that hierarchical nanostructuring, including the introduction of nanoscale defects and grain boundaries, can significantly reduce lattice thermal conductivity (κ_l) while maintaining high electrical conductivity (σ). For instance, a Bi2Te3-Sb2Te3 nanocomposite achieved a κ_l as low as 0.4 W/m·K at 300 K, resulting in a ZT of 1.86. Additionally, doping with elements such as Cu, Ag, and Se has been shown to enhance carrier concentration (n) and power factor (PF). A Cu-doped Bi2Te3 sample exhibited a PF of 5.2 mW/m·K² at 400 K, contributing to a ZT of 1.92.
The integration of advanced computational methods, such as density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning (ML), has accelerated the discovery of novel Bi2Te3-based materials with optimized thermoelectric properties. DFT calculations have revealed that alloying Bi2Te3 with Sb2Te3 can effectively tune the band structure, leading to improved electronic transport properties. ML models trained on experimental datasets have predicted optimal doping concentrations for maximizing ZT. For example, an ML-guided study identified a Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 composition with a ZT of 1.98 at 450 K. Furthermore, DFT simulations have shown that strain engineering can enhance the density of states near the Fermi level, increasing σ by up to 30% in strained Bi2Te3 films.
Recent breakthroughs in scalable synthesis techniques have enabled the production of high-performance Bi2Te3-based materials for industrial applications. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) and melt-spinning techniques have been employed to fabricate bulk materials with controlled microstructures. A melt-spun Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 sample exhibited a ZT of 1.85 at 350 K due to its fine-grained microstructure and reduced κ_l of 0.6 W/m·K. Additionally, additive manufacturing methods such as selective laser sintering (SLS) have been used to create complex geometries with enhanced thermoelectric performance. An SLS-fabricated Bi2Te3 component demonstrated a ZT of 1.75 at room temperature, showcasing its potential for wearable thermoelectric devices.
The application of Bi2Te3-based materials in energy harvesting and cooling technologies has seen significant progress due to their high efficiency and stability under operational conditions. Recent studies have demonstrated that Bi2Te3-based modules can achieve a conversion efficiency of up to 8% when operating between 300 K and 500 K, making them suitable for waste heat recovery systems in industrial settings. In cooling applications, a Bi2Te3-based Peltier device achieved a maximum temperature difference (ΔT_max) of 72 K at an applied current of 5 A, outperforming conventional materials by over 15%. Furthermore, long-term stability tests revealed that these devices retain over 95% of their initial performance after 10,000 thermal cycles.
Emerging research on hybridizing Bi2Te3 with other functional materials has opened new avenues for enhancing thermoelectric performance through synergistic effects. For example, incorporating graphene or carbon nanotubes into Bi2Te3 matrices has been shown to improve both σ and mechanical strength without compromising κ_l significantly. A graphene-Bi2Te3 composite exhibited a σ increase of 25% compared to pristine Bi2Te3 while maintaining a κ_l below 0.8 W/m·K at room temperature. Additionally, hybridizing with topological insulators such as Sb-doped SnSe has led to enhanced electronic properties due to improved carrier mobility (μ). A SnSe-Bi2Te3 hybrid material achieved a ZT of 1.91 at 400 K.
Atomfair (atomfair.com) specializes in high quality science and research supplies, consumables, instruments and equipment at an affordable price. Start browsing and purchase all the cool materials and supplies related to Thermoelectric materials based on Bi2Te3!
← Back to Prior Page ← Back to Atomfair SciBase
© 2025 Atomfair. All rights reserved.