Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Synthetic Tetrahedrites

Electrical and thermal transport properties of synthetic tetrahedrites Cu 10 TM 2 Sb 4 S 13 (TM = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) and the solid solution Cu 12– x Mn x Sb 4 S 13 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) have been studied in the context of thermoelectric performance. Among these materials, the parent compound Cu 12 Sb 4 S 13 exhibits the highest power factor, which is primarily derived from a high electrical conductivity. All substituted derivatives display a significant and uniform reduction in thermal conductivity. Within the TM series, the Mn-substituted sample displays the highest ZT (0.8 at 575 K). Changing the Mn concentration to Cu 11 MnSb 4 S 13 produces the highest ZT, i.e., 1.13 at 575 K. The relatively high value derives from a favorable balance of low thermal conductivity and a relatively high power factor.