Microstructural Engineering for Power Factor and ZT Optimization in Cu Alloyed n‑Type Bi_2-<i>x</i> Sb _<i>x</i> Te₃ Thermoelectric Materials.

ABSTRACT: Bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃) alloys are widely used thermoelectric (TE) materials for near-room-temperature energy conversion. The performance of TE devices in this range critically depends on n-type Bi₂Te₃ alloys for performance parity with that of their p-type counterparts. This study presents a strategy for tuning the thermoelectric properties of selenium-free n-type Bi_2-x Sb _x Te₃ (BST) through controlled copper (Cu) alloying. Cu incorporation via ball milling enhanced the Seebeck coefficient but reduced electrical conductivity due to the formation of coarse Cu-rich precipitation. Subsequent melt-spinning recovered conductivity and promoted uniform Cu dispersion while inducing beneficial point defe

SUBMITTER: Jung SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12771189 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature