Work

Interfacial polarization-driven ionic thermoelectric transport in lead-free Cu2AgBiI6 perovskite

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Decoupling the intrinsic interdependence between thermoelectric transport parameters remains a central challenge in the development of high-performance thermoelectric materials. We reveal that interfacial polarization-driven ionic thermoelectric transport in the lead-free halide perovskite Cu 2 AgBiI 6 (CABI) enables an alternative pathway for thermovoltage generation that partially alleviates this constraint. Solution-processed CABI films deposited on fluorine‑doped tin oxide glass develop a hierarchical flower-vase morphology that promotes strong interfacial polarization and facilitates coupled ionic-electronic transport under thermal gradients. The resulting system exhibits a large Seebeck coefficient (∼4.7 mV K −1 ), resulting in high thermovoltage. Time-dependent thermovoltage, capacitance measurements, and impedance spectroscopy reveal thermally activated polarization associated with restricted ionic migration within the CABI lattice, which amplifies the thermovoltage and further relaxes the intrinsic coupling between thermoelectric transport parameters. This polarization-mediated ionic thermoelectric behaviour establishes halide perovskites as a new platform for hybrid ionic-electronic thermoelectricity and enables proof-of-concept semi-transparent thermoelectric glazing and wearable heat-harvesting devices.

Source: Journal of Material Science and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2026.07.046

Authors: Mustafa Majid Rashak Al-Fartoos, Shubhranshu Bhandari, Tapas Mallick, Asif Ali Tahir

Institution: University of Exeter

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: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,000