Self-optimized contact in air-robust thermoelectric junction towards long-lasting heat harvesting.

ABSTRACT: Ensuring long-term reliable contacts in thermoelectric devices is particularly challenging due to their operation under high temperatures and has been one of the large obstacles in the field for application. Typically, thermodynamically driven atomic diffusion and reactions often degrade the contacts, leading to increased contact resistivity and ultimately limiting the device's lifespan. Here, we report an unconventional self-optimized contact resistivity mechanism in the Sb/MgAgSb junction. Mg diffusion from MgAgSb to Sb does not degrade but instead optimizes its contact resistivity even after aging in air for 30 days. This unexpected automatic optimization arises from an increased carrier concentration in MgAgSb, which enhances electron tunneling across the interface, effectively reducin

SUBMITTER: Li A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11811127 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature