Flexible power generators by Ag2Se thin films with record-high thermoelectric performance

Exploring new near-room-temperature thermoelectric materials is significant for replacing current high-cost Bi₂Te₃. This study highlights the potential of Ag₂Se for wearable thermoelectric electronics, addressing the trade-off between performance and flexibility. A record-high ZT of 1.27 at 363 K is achieved in Ag₂Se-based thin films with 3.2 at.% Te doping on Se sites, realized by a new concept of doping-induced orientation engineering. We reveal that Te-doping enhances film uniformity and (00l)-orientation and in turn carrier mobility by reducing the (00l) formation energy, confirmed by solid computational and experimental evidence. The doping simultaneously widens the bandgap, resulting in improved Seebeck coefficients and high power factors, and introduces TeSe point defects to effectively reduce the lattice thermal conductivity. A protective organic-polymer-based composite layer enhances film flexibility, and a rationally designed flexible thermoelectric device achieves an output power density of 1.5 mW cm⁻² for wearable power generation under a 20 K temperature difference.