Enhanced thermoelectric performance in p-type AgSbSe2 by Cd-doping

Thermoelectric materials can directly convert waste heat into electrical energy and will play a significant role in future energy management. Herein, we have achieved improved thermoelectric performance in p-type Te-free AgSb1−xCdxSe2 (x = 0.02–0.06) system. Simple doping of Cd2+ in the Sb3+ sublattice increases the carrier concentration, resulting in enhanced electrical conductivity in AgSb1−xCdxSe2 compared to the pristine AgSbSe2. Improved electrical transport and ultra low thermal conductivity give rise to a high thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT, of ∼1 at ∼640 K in AgSb0.98Cd0.02Se2, which is similar to the traditional market based expensive and scarce metal tellurides.