Work

Anomalous thermoelectricity in strained Bi2Te3 films

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Bi2Te3-based alloys have been intensively used for thermoelectric coolers and generators due to their high Seebeck coefficient S. So far, efforts to improve the S have been made mostly on changing the structures and components. Herein, we demonstrate an anomalous thermoelectricity in strained Bi2Te3 films, i.e., the value of S is obviously changed after reversing the direction of temperature gradient. Further theoretical and experimental analysis shows that it originates from the coupling of thermoelectric and flexoelectric effects caused by a stress gradient. Our finding provides a new avenue to adjust the S of Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric materials through flexoelectric polarization.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/srep32661

Authors: Yucong Liu, Jiadong Chen, Huiyong Deng, Gujin Hu, Daming Zhu, Ning Dai

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Missouri–Kansas City

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690