Achieving metal-like malleability and ductility in Ag2Te1-xSx inorganic thermoelectric semiconductors with high mobility

ABSTRACT: Inorganic semiconductor Ag2Te1-xSx has been recently found to exhibit unexpected plastic deformation with compressive strain up to 30%. However, the origin of the abnormal plasticity and how to simultaneously achieve superb ductility and high mobility are still elusive. Here, we demonstrate that crystalline/amorphous Ag2Te1-xSx (x = 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) composites can exhibit excellent compressive strain up to 70% if the monoclinic Ag2Te phase, which commonly exists in the matrix, is eliminated. Significantly, an ultra-high tensile elongation reaching 107.3% was found in Ag2Te0.7S0.3, which is the highest one yet reported in the system and even surpasses those achieved in some metals and high-entropy alloys. Moreover, high mobility of above 1000 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature and good thermoelectric performance are simultaneously maintained. A modified Ashby plot with ductility factor versus carrier mobility is thereby proposed to highlight the potential of solid materials for applications in flexible/wearable electronics. Graphical abstract Public summary • Phase structure plays a crucial role in determining the mechanical properties of inorganic semiconductors Ag2Te1-xSx• Metal-like malleability and ductility with a record-high tensile elongation of 107.3% are achieved in Ag2Te1-xSx• The plastic Ag2Te1-xSx with decent thermoelectric performance could exhibit promising applications in the field of flexible/wearable electronics

SUBMITTER: Hu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9638828 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature